Why is a diamond so special ?   When you consider the fact that diamonds were formed deep within the earth billions of years ago, they most certainly are special. Diamonds have been carbon dated as far back as 3.3 billion years. Of the total number of diamonds mined each year, 80% are of industrial quality and only 20% are classified as gem quality. There are approximately 3,000 known minerals in the earth and only a couple of dozen are used as gemstones. Perhaps now you have a better understanding of how rare diamonds are. Hardness factor Did you know that diamond has a hardness factor of approximately 2000 times harder than rubies or sapphires? Diamond is also 3000 times harder than the simulated stone referred to as cubic zirconia (C.Z.). Rarity Indeed, diamond is the most difficult gemstone to mine. Larger diamonds are a rare find. Although figures may vary, consider that for every 23 tons of earth mined, only 4 carats are yielded. Of the 4 carats, only 1 carat is of gem quality and since approximately 50 percent of the diamonds original weight is lost during cutting, the final yield is only one-half carat. Imagine the cost factor involved in such a small recovery. No two diamonds will ever be the same Each diamond is very unique and has a personality all of its own. Just as no two people will ever have the same fingerprints, no two diamonds will ever be the same. The different characteristics of a diamond can be very subtle but, nonetheless never the same. No simulated gemstone will ever have the fire, brilliance or sparkle that a diamond possesses.