What Age is a Diamond?
Most natural diamonds are incredibly old! Their age ranges between 1 billion and 3.5 billion years. This means many diamonds are older than most stars in the sky. Some sources even suggest that all diamonds are at least 990,000,000 years old. These ancient gems are formed deep within the Earth's mantle, typically between 150 and 250 kilometers (93 and 155 miles) below the surface, although some originate from depths as great as 800 kilometers (500 miles).
The age of a diamond is determined by various geological dating methods. The immense time scale involved emphasizes the extraordinary geological processes that lead to their creation. The depth at which they are formed contributes to their age and unique properties.
Key Facts About Diamond Age:
- Minimum Age: All diamonds are extremely ancient, with a minimum age of at least 990 million years.
- Typical Age Range: Most diamonds fall within a range of 1 to 3.5 billion years old.
- Formation Depth: Most form deep within the Earth's mantle, between 150 and 250 kilometers. Some exceptional diamonds originate from depths up to 800 kilometers.
It is important to distinguish between the age of a natural diamond and the concepts of "Diamond Age" used in other contexts, such as Neal Stephenson's science fiction novel The Diamond Age or the use of "Diamond Age" in marketing of skincare products. These are not related to the geological age of diamonds.
