Diamonds is a 200m2 (2000 sq. ft) immersive and engaging experience
that takes visitors on a journey from "rocks to riches." Formed billions
of years ago, deep within the Earth, diamonds are the hardest natural substance
known to man. Which begs the question; if it's the hardest natural substance
then how do you cut a diamond? Find out what makes Canadian diamonds the most
valued in the world!
Unearth how diamonds are formed and mined out of the ground! You can learn
what types of sand may contain diamonds. Using computers and some of the same
tools and equipment seen in jewelry stores, you can size your own diamonds,
evaluate color and determine cut! Find out why diamonds are "a girl's best
friend" and marvel at replicas of some of the world's most famous diamonds.
Visitors will:
- Learn how diamonds were formed billions of years ago, deep within the earth
- Discover how diamonds were brought to the surface through volcanic eruptions
- Gain a better insight into exploration, mining, and processing techniques
- Investigate the many uses of diamonds in modern technology
- See how diamonds are transformed into beautiful pieces of jewelry
- Experience an in-depth look at this unique mineral, the hardest natural
substance on earth, while learning about North America's growing diamond industry
Diamonds is organized into 5 main themes:
Formation
The origin of diamonds is linked to Earth's early history. Formed 3.3 billion
to 900 million years ago deep within the Earth, carbon requires just the right
pressure and temperature to form a diamond. Exploring the complexity of diamond
formation, visitors will "build" their own computer generated diamond by manipulating
the variables that impact diamond formation.
Exploration
Carried from deep within the Earth to the surface by volcanic eruptions, diamonds
lay there for thousands of years before being discovered by geologists using
the most advanced technology. Finding diamonds can take decades. It takes perseverance,
determination, and a bit of luck to find "the mother load". Visitors will meet
a diamond exploration geologist, learn about the challenges and rewards of diamond
exploration, and see the tools used to discover orebodies.
Mining and Processing
While diamonds were first mined in India over 4,000 years ago, modern mining
as we know it began in South Africa in the late 19th century. Today, Canada
is emerging as a major diamond producer. Mining in the Canadian Arctic has its
share of challenges. Visitors will gain a better appreciation for the complexities
of operating a mine in a remote location and learn how 250 tons of ore must
be mined and processed in order to produce a single, one carat, polished, gem-quality
diamond.
Properties
Diamonds are the hardest natural substances known to man. They are nonmetallic,
do not conduct electricity, have great thermal conductivity, and refractive
index. These properties make them useful, not only in jewelry, but in many industrial,
technological and scientific applications. By using real tools, visitors will
discover the properties of diamonds and discover their many uses.
The Gem
Housed in a jewelry store setting, this section will explore how diamonds are
cut and polished to liberate their fiery beauty. Color, clarity, carat, and
cut determine the value of a gem-quality diamond. Visitors will manipulate the
tools of the trade to evaluate diamonds, marvel at acrylic replicas of world
famous diamonds, and discover their incredible stories.