Editor’s Note
This article explores the captivating journey of diamonds from their ancient geological origins to their discovery across continents, revealing a story as brilliant as the gems themselves.
Diamonds have continuously captivated human imagination with their unmatched brilliance and rarity over millennia. But how diamond is found in nature is a story as fascinating as the gem itself—a journey through deep geological time and across the world’s continents.
These precious gemstones are naturally occurring crystalline forms of carbon, formed under extreme heat and pressure deep within the Earth’s mantle—roughly 150 to 200 kilometers below the surface. Over millions of years, a diamond’s journey is shaped by volcanic eruptions that carry them upward through geological formations called kimberlite and lamproite pipes. The journey is truly geological—taking eons and involving processes that science is still unraveling.
The result: exceptionally hard, transparent crystals composed almost entirely of carbon.
Diamonds often survive enormous pressure and are transported rapidly to the earth’s surface by volcanic activity.
Alluvial deposits—found in ancient riverbeds and streams—also yield diamonds eroded and transported far from their original kimberlite sources.
India holds the distinction of recording the first widely documented diamond found, with historic texts and records dating as far back as the 4th century BCE.
India’s alluvial deposits along the Krishna, Godavari, and Penner rivers provided a ready supply of diamonds that were traded across Asia and Europe, laying the foundation for their value and cultural significance. For millennia, India was the original hub of the diamond trade.
These early finds not only shaped the global gemstone trade but also established the significance of diamond is found in specific geological settings (namely, the kimberlite and lamproite pipes). The discovery and subsequent trade had enormous cultural and economic implications that continue to echo today in the worldwide minerals industry.
Today, diamond is found in a handful of key regions that anchor the global supply chain. Although ancient India was the first diamond found and traded hub, contemporary production centers have shifted. In 2025 and beyond, these centers not only supply the world market but also influence trends related to the economic value, environmental practices, and technological advances in mining.
The following countries and regions are predominantly known as top diamond producers due to immense kimberlite deposits, modern mining technology, and responsible practices:
Botswana: Home to rich pipes like Jwaneng (“the richest diamond mine in the world”), Botswana remains a top producer of gem-quality diamonds.
Russia: Leading in overall carat output, Russian mines supply a significant portion of the world’s rough diamonds.
Canada: The Canadian Northwest Territories and Nunavut have quickly emerged as significant players, known for high-quality stones and environmentally conscious mining practices.
Australia: The famous Argyle mine was a world leader in pink diamond production until its recent closure, making existing stones even rarer.
Angola: Angola’s rich geological formations ensure its place among the top five diamond producing countries.
South Africa & Lesotho: With major new discoveries in Lesotho (notably pink diamonds), Southern Africa continues to influence market trends.
Open-pit and underground mining are utilized based on deposit geology—kimberlite pipes require extensive excavation, while alluvial mining recovers diamonds transported by erosion.
Satellite technology, AI, and advanced geology play increasing roles in exploration (see how Farmonaut supports these sectors, below).
Environmental regulations and transparency are shaping mining companies’ operations, with countries like Canada and Australia emphasizing responsible, conscious mining.
The rarest of all diamonds are the pink diamonds. With the Argyle mine in Australia closed since 2020, diamond is found in very limited places, making these gemstones extremely valuable. Let’s explore the seven major locations where a rare pink diamond found has made headlines and impacted the industry through 2025.
Unlike many colored stones, the pink hue in diamonds is not primarily due to trace elements, but results from unique distortions in the diamond’s lattice structure as it forms deep within the mantle. These **structural anomalies** are exceptionally rare and are typically only found in specific geological environments linked to certain kimberlite pipes.
India (Golconda, Andhra Pradesh) — Home to early historic pink diamonds (including the famed Darya-ye Noor).
Australia (Argyle, Western Australia) — The now-closed Argyle mine was the world’s primary source of pink diamonds for decades.
Russia (Siberia) — Russian mines produce a small but significant number of pink diamonds.
Brazil (Minas Gerais) — Known for occasional finds of pink diamonds in alluvial deposits.
South Africa (Premier Mine, Cullinan) — Source of some notable pink diamonds, including the “Pink Star.”
Tanzania (Williamson mine) — Produces pink diamonds, though in limited quantities.
Lesotho (Letseng mine) — Has gained prominence for recent discoveries of high-quality pink diamonds.
