These chemicals usually consist of mixed ratios of hydrogen peroxide, an alkaline reagent, and a mixture of concentrated sulphuric, hydrochloric, and nitric acids. At the core of the process is the mixture of chemicals in an autoclave. There are many different variations of this process, and each cleaning company will typically maintain their own unique ‘recipe’ of chemicals and processes. The long-standing method of achieving this gas vaporization is a multi-stage process. In order to clean these impurities from within the rough diamond, the stone must be subjected to vaporized gases, which can get inside these microscopic cracks to do their work. Properly cleaning the diamonds adds tremendous value to a rough production, likely worth more than $1 billion annually compared to selling rough as it comes from the earth. This makes it very difficult to accurately see the internal quality of the stone. During both the growth of the stone, and its journey to the surface in a violent kimberlite explosion, the stone can absorb many different materials within the cracks and crevices that penetrate the middle of the diamond. The challenge with cleaning rough diamonds is not just to clean the surface of the stone, but to actually clean within the cracks of the diamond. Let’s take a look at a few of the processes being used today to clean rough, and get it ready for sorting and valuation. The process of cleaning diamonds is a mixture of art and science, often done by third party companies in diamond centers around the world, as well as at the mines themselves. Mined rough diamonds are often quite dirty, covered in the residue of the kimberlite home they lived in for billions of years before being unearthed, as well as in the organic material and oxidation absorbed during their growth. However, in the earliest stages of a diamond’s journey, it comes out of the ground with a far less dazzling appearance, and must first go through an intense cleaning process to let rough graders see the true merits of each stone. In my next series of articles, I want to take a look at some of the companies that provide indirect support to the diamond industry, to help rough producers and polished manufacturers maximize the value of their product.Ĭonsumers are of course familiar with polished diamonds in their most brilliant form. Many of these supporting services are instrumental in bringing diamonds from mine to market, yet some people may not be aware of the many helping hands that diamonds go through on their journey to a retail shop, and the many companies that provide supporting services to that end. Indirectly, there are countless people and companies who earn their incomes from providing services in support of the diamond industry and the companies that work within it. I have talked in the past about how the diamond industry employs an estimated 10 million people around the world, both directly and indirectly.
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