Diamonds are formed under conditions of extreme heat and pressure deep within the Earth's mantle, typically occurring at depths of 150 to 250 kilometers and at temperatures exceeding 1,000 degrees Celsius. They are brought closer to the surface through volcanic eruptions, volcanic pipes, or kimberlite pipes. Here's an overview of how diamonds are found and taken from the ground:

Exploration:

Geological surveys: Geologists use various techniques, such as studying geological maps, analyzing rock samples, and conducting geophysical surveys, to identify potential diamond-bearing areas.

Kimberlite exploration: Kimberlite pipes or dikes, volcanic formations that carry diamonds from the Earth's mantle, are primary targets in diamond exploration. These pipes can be identified using magnetic and gravity surveys, soil sampling, and remote sensing techniques.

Mining:

Open-pit mining: When diamond-bearing deposits are located near the Earth's surface, open-pit mining methods are employed. Large-scale earthmoving equipment is used to remove overburden (layers of soil and rock covering the diamond-bearing rock).

Underground mining: For deeper deposits, underground mining methods are used. This involves constructing vertical shafts or tunnels to reach the diamond-bearing rock, which is then extracted through blasting or mechanical excavation methods.

Diamond recovery:

Crushing and screening: The mined ore containing diamonds is transported to a processing facility. The ore is crushed and screened to reduce its size and separate larger rocks and debris.

Heavy media separation: The crushed ore is processed through heavy media separation units, where heavier minerals containing diamonds are separated from lighter waste material.

X-ray sorting: X-ray machines are used to identify diamonds based on their unique X-ray fluorescence patterns. This allows for the separation of diamonds from other minerals.

Recovery methods: Various methods are employed to extract diamonds from kimberlite or other host rocks, such as jigging, dense medium separation, grease tables, and electrostatic separators.

Cutting and polishing:

Sorting: The recovered diamonds are sorted based on their shape, size, quality, and color.

Cutting: Larger diamonds undergo a process called cleaving, where they are precisely split along their natural planes of weakness to create several smaller diamonds. Smaller diamonds are usually cut using saws.

Polishing: The cut diamonds are polished using diamond abrasives to give them their final shape and brilliance.

Once diamonds have been cut and polished, they are graded and certified for quality and authenticity before being sold in the market.