Context:
Recently, Western Australian scientists unearthed a story behind the formation of pink diamonds, connecting it to the ancient supercontinent Nuna, and the mysterious geological activities it experienced over 1.3 billion years ago.
Relevance:
GS I: Geography
Dimensions of the Article:
- About Pink diamonds
- About Nuna
About Pink diamonds:
- Pink diamonds, also known as fancy pink diamonds, are among the most sought-after and exceptionally rare gemstones globally.
- These exquisite diamonds possess unique characteristics and origins that make them highly prized. Here are key points about pink diamonds:
Rarity and Coveted Gemstones:
- Pink diamonds are renowned for their exceptional rarity and beauty, making them highly coveted in the world of gemstones.
- They are part of the broader category of colored diamonds, often referred to as fancy colored diamonds.
Unique Crystalline Structures:
- Pink diamonds exhibit distinctive crystalline structures that set them apart from their colorless counterparts.
- These unique structures contribute to the diamonds’ pink hues and are a defining feature of these gemstones.
Origin from the Kimberley Region:
- Remarkably, over 90% of all pink diamonds ever discovered have been sourced from a single mine located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.
- This mine, known for its pink diamonds, has played a significant role in the global supply of these rare gemstones.
Formation of Pink Diamonds:
- Pink diamonds trace their origin to geological events that occurred approximately 1.8 billion years ago.
- The collision of Western Australia and Northern Australia, a cataclysmic event, is believed to have initiated the transformation of colorless diamonds into pink varieties.
- Scientists have found that diamonds at the Argyle mine in Western Australia crystallized deep within the Earth’s interior and were brought to the surface during the geological process.
- As continents separate and stretch during the breakup, small pockets of diamond-rich magma ascend to the surface, resulting in the emergence of pink diamonds.
- These natural processes, coupled with the unique geological history of the Kimberley region, contribute to the formation and extraordinary rarity of pink diamonds, making them one of the most prized gemstones globally.
About Nuna
- Nuna, an ancient supercontinent, holds a significant place in Earth’s geological history. Here are key details about Nuna:
- Ancient Supercontinent:
- Nuna was an enormous landmass that once existed on Earth’s surface.
- It is estimated to have existed approximately 1.6 to 2.5 billion years ago, making it significantly older than the more well-known supercontinent, Pangea.
Geological Data and Research:
- Scientists and researchers study Nuna’s formation by analyzing geological and paleomagnetic data from Earth’s distant past.
- These data sources provide valuable clues about the supercontinent’s existence and evolution.
Assembly of Landmasses:
- Nuna is believed to have assembled by bringing together landmass fragments that now constitute regions such as North America, northern Europe, and parts of Siberia.
- The process of Nuna’s formation involved multiple cycles of landmasses coming together and then breaking apart.
Geological Transformations:
- Each phase of Nuna’s assembly and dispersal led to significant changes in Earth’s surface.
- These transformations gave rise to new geological formations and laid the groundwork for the development of future continents.
Influence on Earth’s Atmosphere:
- Nuna’s formation had a profound impact on Earth’s early atmospheric conditions.
- Increased volcanic activity during Nuna’s existence released substantial amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
- This volcanic activity played a crucial role in shaping the planet’s early atmospheric composition, potentially influencing the course of life on Earth.
-Source: Indian Express
