This Massive 'Space Diamond' Is Incredibly Rare, And It Just Sold For $4.3m
A massive black diamond with supposedly extra-terrestrial origins was just auctioned for a cool $4.3 million, but the gem and geology world is still divided over its origin story whether it actually came all the way from space. Black diamonds are known to get their color from materials like graphite and sulfides in the crystal, and fall under the category of minerals called Carbonados. However, factors such as size and the facetting also play a role in dictating the color intensity and gleam of black diamonds. As to how they are formed, there are multiple theories.
Some attribute their existence to an asteroid impact event, while others link them to carbon-rich stars that go supernova and send fragments to other planets. The latter is not unheard of. In 2014, scientists revealed the existence of a white dwarf called PSR J2222-0137 whose temperature was estimated to fall somewhere around 2,700 degrees Celsius, cool enough that its carbon content crystallized & it essentially lives as a massive diamond in space. The extraterrestrial origin of black diamonds has to do with their chemical composition, particularly due to the presence of exotic metallic components like Titanium Nitride that are commonly found in meteorites.
Related: Asteroid Sample Among The Most Primitive Materials Scientists Have Ever Seen
As per Switzerland-based Gubelin Gem Lab’s analysis that was shared by Sotheby's, the Enigma has an almost metallic luster owing to its polish. Microscopic analysis revealed that its crystal matrix contains brownish-yellow microcrystals alongside tiny vein-like patterns in some regions, and some tiny red and yellow grains of unknown origin. Auctioned via Sotheby’s, the Enigma was acquired in 1990s as a rough stone and
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