Introduction
A recent article by King is focused on green diamonds that are considered to have a highly exceptional color and value. The author describes the following characteristics of green diamonds: they are natural, their color is produced by nature, and the color is rich in “a pure green” with a rich saturation (King). King divides his article into several parts to make it easier to comprehend. Thus, he characterizes the origin of the natural green color and the causes of this color in diamonds, explores the safety of irradiated diamonds, describes some of the most famous green diamonds, discusses the challenge of cutting these stones, and suggests advice on determining the authenticity of such diamonds when purchasing them.
Article Summary
When explaining the origin of the color, King remarks that it is enclosed in a thin layer at the surface of rough stones. Thus, he notes that it is crucial to choose the design and cut thoroughly to preserve as much of the color as possible (King). Even though the faceting may keep only a “band” of green color around the girdle and a little amount in the culet, it is possible to generate a discernible green color throughout the stone (King). The author remarks that the color of the majority of green diamonds is softened by hints of blue, yellow, or gray. Also, King mentions that depending on these hints, prices for diamonds differ.
In his analysis of the color of green diamonds, King identifies three major causes of it: natural green diamonds, treated, and synthetic diamonds. The natural color is formed underground when diamonds are in rocks in which there is a little number of radioactive materials such as thorium or uranium (King). After the decay of radioactive materials, the radiation emitted by them enters diamond crystals.
When such radiation penetrates the gem, it knocks carbon atoms or electrons out of their location in the crystal lattice (King). When explaining the emergence of treated diamonds, King mentions that people resort to such operations to raise the price of the gems through enhancing their color. Finally, green synthetic diamonds are produced by incorporating small amounts of boron and nitrogen into the gems (King).
Along with bringing beauty and exclusiveness, diamonds may also pose a threat to their owners due to having been exposed to radiation (King). To minimize the risk for buyers, the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has released the approved methods of treating diamonds and storing them properly until their radioactivity levels fall to the safe point. Another problem concerning green diamonds is that in most cases, there is only a thin layer of the unique color (King). Thus, cutting them presents a challenge for professionals.
Conclusion
The article by King is highly informative and constitutes significance in the study of geology. Not only are diamonds gemstones used for adornment but they are also minerals the composition of which is rather complicated, thus making them a rarity. The author analyzes a variety of characteristics of green diamonds and presents the information in a concise yet exciting way. Since minerals constitute a crucial part of geological science, King’s article is significant and relevant for the study of geology. The structure of the source is thoroughly-developed, and the author combines professional terms with simple explanations so that any reader might understand it.
Work Cited
King, Hobart M. “Green Diamonds: One of the Rarest and Most Valuable Diamond Colors” Geology.com. 2018. Web.