Researchers may have identified the true source of the Hope Diamond and other pristine gemstones. They propose that the renowned Golconda diamonds, including the Hope Diamond and Koh-i-noor, might have originated from a volcanic outcrop nearly 200 miles away from their mining locations.
These diamonds, collectively known as the Golconda diamonds, are remarkable for their scarcity of inclusions and low nitrogen content, which contribute to their exceptional clarity and brilliance. They are also notably large, with the Koh-i-noor, now part of the British Crown Jewels, weighing an impressive 105.60 carats, and the Hope Diamond, housed at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, weighing 45.52 carats.
Discovered in southern India between the 1600s and 1800s, these diamonds carry tales of colonialism and intrigue, and many are currently held outside India, prompting calls for their repatriation due to their cultural significance. However, the origins of these diamonds remained enigmatic.
Recent research, published in the Journal of Earth System Science on March 15, suggests that the diamonds may have originated from the Wajrakarur kimberlite field in modern-day Andhra Pradesh, located up to 186 miles (300 kilometers) from their mining sites.
While this finding offers valuable insights, uncertainties persist. The study focused on the geochemistry of common diamonds found in the lithosphere, but Golconda diamonds are believed to form deeper within the Earth’s mantle. Thus, there remains some ambiguity regarding their precise origins.
To trace the source of the Golconda diamonds, researchers from Savitribai Phule Pune University in India analyzed the chemical signatures of nearby kimberlites and lamproites, rocks associated with diamond formation. Remote-sensing data revealed an ancient river channel that could have transported diamonds from Wajrakarur to the Krishna River and its tributaries, where the stones were ultimately discovered.
Despite these findings, connecting the kimberlite field where standard lithospheric diamonds are found with the deeper Golconda diamonds presents challenges. The deep diamonds have distinct chemistries and may have different origins.
The mystery surrounding the Golconda diamonds persists, as their lack of inclusions complicates direct tracing of their origins. This mystery adds to their allure and ensures that they will continue to captivate both scholars and enthusiasts alike.
