The abundance of gold in the Earth's crust is estimated to be about 0.005 parts per million. That makes it one of the ten rarest elements in the Earth's crust. Gold is thought to be much more common in the oceans. Some people believe as much as 70 million tons of gold are dissolved in seawater. They also think there may be another 10 billion tons on the bottom of the oceans. So far, however, no one has found a way to mine this gold.
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Diamonds are relatively rare compared to other minerals, but their prevalence in the Earth's crust is higher than other gemstones. They are primarily found in specific geological formations such as kimberlite pipes or alluvial deposits. Despite being mined on a large scale, only a small percentage of diamonds are considered gem-quality.
Diamonds -- of any color and quality -- can now be made in a lab, so they could be considered commonplace.
Natural, gem-quality diamonds, however are uncommon. Only about 20% of all diamonds mined are gem quality, and the majority of those are smaller than a pea. Given that 60% of a diamond's weight is lost in cutting, large diamonds are indeed rare.
Yes, black diamonds are considered rare compared to white diamonds. They have a distinctive look and are less common in nature, which adds to their desirability and value in the market.
Kimberlite pipes are a common geologic feature where diamonds are found. These cylindrical volcanic rock formations bring diamonds to the Earth's surface from deep within the mantle. Diamonds are typically formed under high pressure and temperature conditions, and kimberlite pipes are one of the few mechanisms for bringing them to the surface.
Diamonds share the property of being a naturally occurring crystalline solid with a definite chemical composition, as all minerals have. Additionally, diamonds are formed in the Earth's mantle under high pressure and temperature, which is a common process for many minerals.
While diamonds are not rare in terms of other minerals, they are not exactly abundant compared to other types of rocks found on Earth. They are typically found in specific geological formations and require specific conditions to form, so they are not as widespread as other materials.
Man-made diamonds are often referred to as synthetic diamonds or lab-created diamonds.