Western Australian scientists have discovered a connection between the formation of pink diamonds and Earth’s first supercontinent, Vaalbara, dating back 1.3 billion years. Pink diamonds are exceptionally rare and prized for their unique pink or reddish-pink color, derived from structural irregularities in their crystal lattice. The Argyle diamond mine in Western Australia, a major source of pink diamonds, ceased production in 2020. The study suggests that the geological forces resulting from the breakup of Vaalbara, particularly a significant collision between Western and Northern Australia, played a pivotal role in transforming colorless diamonds into exquisite pink gems.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Pink Diamonds: Pink diamonds are a rare and highly coveted type of diamond known for their stunning pink or reddish-pink color, valued for their extreme rarity and beauty.
- Vaalbara: Vaalbara, also known as Nuna, is the Earth’s ancient supercontinent believed to have existed around 1.3 billion years ago, playing a crucial role in the formation of pink diamonds.
- Crystal Lattice: A crystal lattice refers to the repeating three-dimensional arrangement of atoms or ions in a crystal, and in the case of pink diamonds, unique structural irregularities in this lattice give rise to their distinctive color.
- Argyle Diamond Mine: The Argyle diamond mine, located in Western Australia, was a prominent source of pink diamonds, responsible for over 90% of their production until it ceased operations in 2020.
- Tectonic Plates: Tectonic plates are massive sections of the Earth’s lithosphere that move and interact, leading to geological processes such as the collision between Western and Northern Australia, which influenced pink diamond formation.
