Blood Diamonds

The Geography of Stuff

1. History:

Regarded for their beauty and the timeless qualities of love and devotion that they represent, diamonds have fascinated mankind throughout the centuries. Diamonds were formed billions of years ago, deep within the earth. They are created when carbon is put under immense pressure and temperature deep within the earth—at distances of 250 miles or even greater. Diamonds today come from two types of deposits. Primary deposit diamonds are those that consist of volcanic rock called kimberlite. These diamonds were then carried to the surface by magma. Secondary deposit diamonds are referred to as alluvial diamonds and were formed as a result of material the has been eroded from primary deposits and has diamonds that have traveled great distances from their original source.

2. Geography:

Primary deposit diamonds require open pit or underground mining operations. Secondary deposits require alluvial mining, which uncovers diamonds in riverbed, coastal and marine/undersea locations. Enormous investment and technical skills are necessary to construct, maintain and operate a mine.The environmental impact of small-scale diamond mining activities is severe, devastating the land by clearing and digging up vegetated areas. After an area is mined the land is left exposed and degraded, unsuitable for farming or any other activity. When the mining is carried out on hilly areas and slopes, severe erosion takes place and flooding can result. In certain locations miners not only remove vegetation and economically valuable trees but their activities also divert surface drainage. Siltation in river systems is a common problem to be faced by communities living downstream. Water collects and stagnates in the dug-out areas contributing to health hazards, potentially increasing the incidence of malaria and other water borne diseases.

3. How people use it today:

Diamonds are something all cultures want for their rare beauty and durability. They...