The origin of a diamond starts hundreds of miles below the surface of the earth. Molten rock heats pure carbon under immense pressure and the diamond crystal forms. Over time, volcanic activity pushes the diamond closer to the surface of the earth, usually along with a mineral called kimberlite. Kimberlite deposits form in vast pipes beneath the ground and stretch to the surface where they are noticeable by the bluish hue they give to the ground. It is these kimberlite pipes that diamond miners look for when searching for diamond deposits.

Originally, diamonds were only mined from primary and secondary deposits - those that are at or just below the surface of the earth. The largest of these deposits were found in India and Borneo. The next great diamond pipe was discovered in Brazil followed by the discovery of giant diamond deposits in South Africa.

Today, the most important diamond-producing countries are Australia, Botswana, Russia, South Africa, Zaire, Namibia, Brazil, Ghana, Angola and the Central African Republic. China has also become an important diamond producer, although most of its diamonds mined there are only suitable for industrial use. Researchers believe that Canada and parts of North America contain untapped kimberlite pipes that are waiting to be discovered.