For 37 years until its closing in 2020, Rio Tinto’s Argyle Mine in Australia produced between 90% and 95% of the world’s pink and red diamonds. Since diamond mines exist all over the world, scientists struggled to understand why nearly all of the blush diamonds were concentrated in one location.
![](https://thejewelerblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/09/argyleresearch1.jpg?w=575)
Well, now researchers at Perth-based Curtin University believe they have the answer. And it all comes down to a mix of three key factors. Sure, you need diamond’s key element — carbon — along with the massive force and heat generated by colliding tectonic plates. But the secret ingredient is continental “stretching.”
Lead researcher Dr. Hugo Olierook from Curtin University’s John de Laeter Centre said the “stretching” of landmasses created gaps in the Earth’s crust through which diamond-carrying magma could rise to the surface. What’s more, the “stretching” also altered the diamond’s lattice structure deep within the Earth.
Unlike yellow or blue diamonds that owe their color to the presence of nitrogen or boron in their chemical makeup, pink and red diamonds owe their color to the effects of intense pressure, heat and twisting. These factors caused distortions in the diamond’s crystal lattice that influence the way the gem absorbs green light, thus reflecting a pink or red hue.
As The New York Times explained, “The color comes from the warping of the gem’s crystal lattice under intense pressure. While all diamonds form under pressure, even more force turns once-clear diamonds colorful. A slight extra squeeze turns a diamond pink, and a hard squash turns it brown.”
“By using laser beams smaller than the width of a human hair on rocks supplied by Rio Tinto, we found Argyle to be 1.3 billion years old, which is 100 million years older than previously thought, meaning it would likely have formed as a result of an ancient supercontinent breaking apart,” Dr. Olierook said.
Olierook identified Argyle as the point where the Kimberley region and the rest of northern Australia smashed together.
“And that sort of collision creates a damaged area or ‘scar’ in the land that will never fully heal,” he added. “While the continent that would become Australia didn’t break up, the area where Argyle is situated was stretched, including along the scar, which created gaps in the Earth’s crust for magma to shoot up through to the surface, bringing with it pink diamonds.”
Having identified the special ingredients that create pink and red diamonds, Dr. Olierook and his team believe it will be be possible — yet still very challenging — to find the “next Argyle” in the global hunt for new deposits.
“Most diamond deposits have been found in the middle of ancient continents because their host volcanoes tend to be exposed at the surface for explorers to find,” Dr. Olierook said. “Argyle is at the suture of two of these ancient continents, and these edges are often covered by sand and soil, leaving the possibility that similar pink diamond-bearing volcanoes still sit undiscovered, including in Australia.”
The team’s findings were published Tuesday in the journal Nature Communications.
Credit: Photo by Murray Rayner, Rio Tinto.
📅 Experience elegance and history at Elliott's Jewelers Estate Jewelry Event, August 22-24! Explore timeless pieces ready to tell their next story. Preview and select your favorites (like this dazzling ring) here: www.elliottsjewelers.com/from-the-vault/#categories& and book a private appointment to see them in person. Your journey through time awaits! ✨
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💎 Step back in time with Elliott's Jewelers at our August Estate Jewelry Event! From August 22nd to 24th, explore exquisite, historical pieces from our collection. Preview our treasures here: www.elliottsjewelers.com/from-the-vault/#categories& and reserve your private viewing appointment between 9:30 am and 5:00 pm. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of history! 👑 🕰️
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Picture this: an 'Anniversary Diamond' that sparkles with brilliance and the memories of years together. Why not consider upgrading the diamond in your wedding ring this upcoming milestone anniversary?
It's a beautiful way to renew your commitment and add an extra chapter to your love story. 💖💍
We carry ONLY Natural Gemological Institute of America Certified diamonds. All shapes and sizes are available. All colors and clarities.
1.00 carat and larger diamonds are our specialty. Set your new diamond in some of our most beautiful and unique settings or custom design your dream ring.
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Mark your milestone anniversary with a special upgrade from Elliott's Jewelers.💕 Can I make this ring for you?
As your love grows, so should your diamond. Let us craft a custom ring that celebrates your journey together. Start your timeless upgrade today.💍✨
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That is a very beautiful ring! What would something like this cost?
That’s a Beautiful ring WOW!
I no longer have anniversary’s, but it’s very pretty. Thanks for sharing. JS
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🌟 Uncover the history and beauty of estate jewelry at Elliott's Jewelers this August! Join us for our exclusive Estate Jewelry Event from August 22nd-24th. Dive into our vault here: www.elliottsjewelers.com/from-the-vault/#categories& and select pieces to view at your private appointment. Book now to secure a spot from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm each day and make history part of your style! 🕰️✨
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Make your old jewelry work for you! 🌟 At Elliott's Jewelers, every piece holds value. Trade in your unworn treasures for funds or upgrade to something new and sparkling. Refresh your collection today. See how far your jewelry can take you with us! 💍 Find out more: www.elliottsjewelers.com/sell-your-jewelry/
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Book an Appointment At Elliott’s Jewelers, you can be sure that you are getting the best possible appraisal for your jewelry. Our jewelry experts are trained and certified in jewelry appraisal, and ...1 CommentComment on Facebook
I have sent you pictures twice but never received a response.
🌟 Step into a world of timeless elegance with our August Estate Jewelry Event at Elliott's Jewelers! 📅 Mark your calendars: August 22nd-24th. Immerse yourself in the stories of exquisite pieces from our vault. To make this experience truly personal, we are scheduling exclusive appointments from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm each day.
Spaces are limited to ensure privacy and dedicated attention. 🕒 Book your appointment now and let us help you find a piece that not only enhances your collection but enriches your story.
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💎 Discover timeless treasures at our August Estate Jewelry Event! Join us from August 22nd-24th at Elliott's Jewelers. Each piece has a unique story waiting to be part of yours.
Explore our exclusive collection here and book your private appointment from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm daily. Spaces are limited to ensure personalized attention. ✨ Find your next jewel with us! See more here: www.elliottsjewelers.com/from-the-vault/#categories&
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Very pretty.
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Beautiful 😍
Well done!
Thank you so much for your support & for such a beautiful piece!
Elliott's Jewelers wishes you and your family a Happy 4th of July! We will be closed on Thursday, July 4th. Elliott's Jewelers was thrilled to be part of Mitch and Lauren Fussell's love story. Do you have an Elliott's Jewelers story too? Let's celebrate by sharing it with us so we can continue making history together! Your stories inspire us every day. 🎆
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Wish I could click the “Love” and “Wow” Buttons at the same time.