Researchers provide new clues to the origin of famed Golconda diamonds.
Scientists may have unearthed fresh insights into the source of legendary flawless gems like the Koh-i-Noor and Hope Diamond. Dubbed Golconda diamonds for discoveries in South India’s Golconda mines between the 16th and 19th centuries, these colossal stones, including the 105.60-carat Koh-i-Noor now part of Britain’s Crown Jewels.
Characterized by clarity and absence of nitrogen, Golconda diamonds surpass 2 carats on average. Most were spirited overseas, leaving a history of colonial associations and controversies.
While these “placer mines” traces suggested river transport, true kimberlite sources eluded discovery. New studies in the Journal of Earth System Science point to the Wajrakarur field in Andhra Pradesh, 300km from mining zones.
However, geochemist Yaakov Weiss flagged limitations, suggesting deeper mantle origins for monumental specimens.
Hero Kalra, Ashish Dongre, and Swapnil Vyas of Savitribai Phule Pune University investigated isotopic compositions of regional kimberlites and lamproites.
While findings identify a potential Wajrakarur match, Weiss maintains subsurfaceanalysestarget lithospheric diamonds predominantly.
As origin mysteries endure for treasures like the Hope Diamond cursed by association, continued investigations could untangle formative earth processes behind nature’s most prized gems.
