Diamonds are often thought of as clear, sparkling gems, but many diamonds come in a range of colors. The most well-known colored diamonds are yellow, blue, and pink, though they can appear in almost any color of the rainbow. So, why are some diamonds colored instead of clear? The answer lies in their formation and the unique elements that influence their color.

Diamonds are made of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal structure. Typically, when diamonds form deep within the Earth, the carbon atoms are pure, resulting in the clear, colorless diamonds we’re familiar with. However, in some cases, the presence of trace elements, radiation, or even structural defects in the diamond’s crystal lattice can lead to color.

For example, yellow diamonds get their hue from nitrogen atoms, which are absorbed into the diamond during its formation. The nitrogen atoms cause the crystal structure to absorb certain wavelengths of light, making the diamond appear yellow. The more nitrogen present, the more intense the color can be.

Blue diamonds, on the other hand, get their color from boron. Even small amounts of boron can cause the diamond to absorb light differently, resulting in a blue appearance. Blue diamonds are rare, which is why they often carry a higher price tag.

Pink diamonds are a bit of a mystery, as scientists haven’t pinpointed exactly what causes the color. The most widely accepted theory is that pink diamonds owe their hue to a distortion in the crystal structure. This distortion alters the way light passes through the diamond, producing a beautiful pink shade.

In addition to trace elements, radiation can also cause diamonds to change color. For example, green diamonds often get their color from natural radiation that occurs deep within the Earth. The radiation alters the diamond’s atomic structure, resulting in a greenish hue.

Colored diamonds are often more valuable than their clear counterparts because of their rarity. While clear diamonds are abundant, colored diamonds are much less common, especially in vibrant, intense shades. As a result, they are seen as a luxury investment, and many buyers are willing to pay a premium for them.

So, while clear diamonds are the traditional choice, colored diamonds offer a unique beauty and rarity that make them highly desirable. Whether it’s the warm glow of a yellow diamond or the deep allure of a blue one, these diamonds tell a story of the natural forces that shaped them, making them as intriguing as they are stunning.