Mining diamonds
About half of all diamonds are mined in central and southern Africa.
There are although significant sources in Canada, India, Russian, Brazil and Australia. Diamonds are mined from kimberlite and lamproite volcanic pipes. These pipes bring diamonds to the surface from deep within the earth.
Diamonds are measured by their carat, clarity, color and cut. Only a small fraction of diamond ore actually contains diamonds. The ore is crushed and care is taken to prevent larger diamonds from being destroyed by the process. Some of the diamonds are used to make industrial diamonds.