<P> Diamond (/ ˈdaɪəmənd / or / ˈdaɪmənd /) is a metastable allotrope of carbon, where the carbon atoms are arranged in a variation of the face - centered cubic crystal structure called a diamond lattice . Diamond is less stable than graphite, but the conversion rate from diamond to graphite is negligible at standard conditions . Diamond is renowned as a material with superlative physical qualities, most of which originate from the strong covalent bonding between its atoms . In particular, diamond has the highest hardness and thermal conductivity of any bulk material . Those properties determine the major industrial application of diamond in cutting and polishing tools and the scientific applications in diamond knives and diamond anvil cells . </P> <P> Because of its extremely rigid lattice, it can be contaminated by very few types of impurities, such as boron and nitrogen . Small amounts of defects or impurities (about one per million of lattice atoms) color diamond blue (boron), yellow (nitrogen), brown (lattice defects), green (radiation exposure), purple, pink, orange or red . Diamond also has relatively high optical dispersion (ability to disperse light of different colors). </P> <P> Most natural diamonds are formed at high temperature and pressure at depths of 140 to 190 kilometers (87 to 118 mi) in the Earth's mantle . Carbon - containing minerals provide the carbon source, and the growth occurs over periods from 1 billion to 3.3 billion years (25% to 75% of the age of the Earth). Diamonds are brought close to the Earth's surface through deep volcanic eruptions by magma, which cools into igneous rocks known as kimberlites and lamproites . Diamonds can also be produced synthetically in a HPHT method which approximately simulates the conditions in the Earth's mantle . An alternative, and completely different growth technique is chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Several non-diamond materials, which include cubic zirconia and silicon carbide and are often called diamond simulants, resemble diamond in appearance and many properties . Special gemological techniques have been developed to distinguish natural diamonds, synthetic diamonds, and diamond simulants . The word is from the ancient Greek ἀδάμας--adámas "unbreakable". </P> <P> The name diamond is derived from the ancient Greek αδάμας (adámas), "proper", "unalterable", "unbreakable", "untamed", from ἀ - (a -), "un -" + δαμάω (damáō), "I overpower", "I tame". Diamonds are thought to have been first recognized and mined in India, where significant alluvial deposits of the stone could be found many centuries ago along the rivers Penner, Krishna and Godavari . Diamonds have been known in India for at least 3,000 years but most likely 6,000 years . </P>

How long does it take the earth to make a diamond
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