Daily Current Affairs : 21-September-2023
Pink diamonds have long held the fascination of gem enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. These exquisite gems are renowned for their captivating beauty and extraordinary rarity. Among the world’s most sought-after stones, pink diamonds have a mystique that sets them apart from their colorless counterparts. The discovery of a crucial missing ingredient in the formation of pink diamonds has shed new light on the geological processes responsible for their creation, offering insights that could impact both the diamond industry and our understanding of Earth’s history.
The Rarity of Pink Diamonds
Pink diamonds are often heralded as the pinnacle of luxury and elegance. Their vibrant pink hues evoke feelings of romance and allure. Yet, their allure extends beyond aesthetics to their scarcity. Over 90% of all pink diamonds ever unearthed have been found at the Argyle mine, located in the remote northwest region of Australia. This makes them exceptionally rare compared to other diamond varieties, as most diamond mines are situated far away from the periphery of continents.
Ingredients for Pink Diamond Formation
The formation of pink diamonds is a complex geological process that requires the presence of three key ingredients:
- Carbon: The primary component of diamonds, carbon must exist at depths exceeding 150 kilometers beneath the Earth’s surface.
- Pressure: The right amount of pressure is necessary to infuse diamonds with their distinctive pink hue.
- The Missing Ingredient: Until recently, the third and missing ingredient remained elusive.
Unveiling the Missing Ingredient
A groundbreaking study published in the journal Nature Communications has unveiled the missing ingredient essential for the formation of pink diamonds. It was revealed that the extraordinary pressure responsible for the pink coloration occurred during the collision between western Australia and northern Australia approximately 1.8 billion years ago. This collision resulted in the twisting of color into the diamonds, marking a pivotal step in their formation.
The Role of Supercontinent Nuna
The missing ingredient for pink diamonds was further connected to the breakup of the ancient supercontinent Nuna, which occurred around 1.3 billion years ago. As Nuna began to disintegrate, it re-aggravated scars from the previous collision. Magma from the Earth’s depths surged through these geological scars, carrying pink diamonds to the surface. This revelation has provided a crucial piece of the puzzle in understanding the origins of these rare gems.
Significance and Future Implications
The discovery of the missing ingredient for pink diamonds holds profound significance. It not only enhances our comprehension of the geological processes that shape our planet but also has practical implications:
- Diamond Industry: Understanding the precise conditions required for pink diamond formation can aid in the search for these precious gems. This knowledge may lead to more targeted and successful diamond mining efforts.
- Exploration: Old mountain belts near the edges of continents, such as those in Canada, Russia, southern Africa, and Australia, now hold the potential to become “pink diamond paradises.” Exploring these regions could yield new sources of pink diamonds.
Important Points:
- Pink diamonds are highly coveted for their rarity and beauty.
- Over 90% of pink diamonds have been found at the Argyle mine in Australia, making them exceptionally rare.
- Three key ingredients are needed for pink diamond formation: carbon, extreme pressure, and a missing third element.
- The missing ingredient was recently discovered to be the immense pressure generated during the collision between western Australia and northern Australia 1.8 billion years ago.
- This pressure twisted color into the diamonds, giving them their distinctive pink hue.
- The missing ingredient is also linked to the breakup of the supercontinent Nuna, around 1.3 billion years ago.
- As Nuna broke apart, magma surged through geological scars, carrying pink diamonds to the surface.
- Understanding the missing ingredient for pink diamonds has significant implications for future diamond exploration.
- Old mountain belts near the edges of continents (Canada, Russia, southern Africa, and Australia) now have potential as new sources of pink diamonds.
- This discovery deepens our understanding of Earth’s geological history and enhances the search for these precious gems.
Why In News
By analyzing the age of elements within the crystals of an Argyle rock sample, scientists have finally uncovered the elusive “missing ingredient” responsible for the formation of pink diamonds. This breakthrough discovery promises to revolutionize our understanding of these rare gemstones and potentially lead to new methods for their synthesis.
MCQs about The Secrets of Pink Diamond Formation
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What is the primary reason for the rarity of pink diamonds?
A. They are small in size.
B. They are only found in remote regions.
C. They are less valuable than other diamonds.
D. They are difficult to cut and shape.
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What are the three key ingredients required for pink diamond formation?
A. Carbon, water, and heat.
B. Oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon.
C. Carbon, extreme pressure, and a missing third element.
D. Gold, silver, and copper.
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What caused the intense pressure that gave pink diamonds their distinctive color?
A. Volcanic eruptions
B. Tectonic plate movements
C. Collision between western Australia and northern Australia
D. Earthquakes
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What potential do old mountain belts near the edges of continents hold?
A. They contain vast reserves of oil and gas.
B. They are ideal for skiing and snowboarding.
C. They have the potential to become new sources of pink diamonds.
D. They are rich in precious metals like gold and silver.
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