How Are Blue Diamonds Formed 

The basic process involved in forming white diamonds and blue diamonds, remains the same. Natural blue diamonds are formed deep within the Earth's mantle under extreme pressure and temperature, similar to other diamonds. 

DERIVING THE BLUE COLOR

The distinct blue color in blue diamonds comes from the presence of boron impurities in their crystal structure. the presence of boron impurities in blue diamonds strongly suggests that boron was present in the location where these diamonds formed—deep within the Earth's mantle. Beyond the scope of this report but scientific level, debates are still ongoing regarding the process that, got the boron in those locations.

Keeping the explanation as simple as possible - boron absorbs red, yellow, and green light, allowing blue light to pass through, giving the diamond its color. blue diamonds are hundreds of times rarer than white (colorless) diamonds, making them one of the most sought-after and valuable gemstones in the world.

Their extreme rarity is due to the unique geological conditions required for their formation, particularly the presence of boron in the Earth's mantle.

how are blue diamonds formed
golconda blue diamonds

BLUE GOLCONDA DIAMONDS

Many of the famous and highly sought-after blue diamonds, including the Hope Diamond, Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond, and Idol’s Eye, are believed to have originated from the legendary Golconda mines in India. These mines, located in present-day Telangana, were famous for producing some of the world’s finest diamonds from the 4th century BCE until the 18th century.

Golconda diamonds, especially blue ones, are exceptionally pure, often classified as Type IIb, meaning they contain almost no nitrogen impurities (which are common in most diamonds).

This suggests that the mantle region beneath ancient India had unique conditions that allowed boron to be incorporated into diamonds.

While modern blue diamonds are now found in South Africa’s Cullinan Mine, the ones from Golconda are historically prized for their superior clarity, brilliance, and deep blue hue.

HISTORIC BLUE DIAMONDS

Hope Diamond  – From Golconda, one of the most famous blue diamonds, with a deep blue hue.

Blue Moon Diamond – From South Africa, a flawless fancy vivid blue diamond.

Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond – From Golconda, a stunning blue diamond that was part of Bavarian royal jewels.

Seraphim Blue Diamond – From Golconda, a fancy vivid blue diamond, last known to be part of a collection in Russia.

Idol’s Eye – From Golconda, a legendary blue diamond with a mysterious history.

Blue Heart Diamond – From Golconda, a heart-shaped fancy deep blue diamond.

Although blue diamonds are now found in places like South Africa's Cullinan Mine, the historical allure of Golconda-origin blue diamonds remains unmatched due to their purity, brilliance, and royal connections.

UPDATES SERAPHIM BLUE DIAMOND

A quick note about the Seraphim Blue Diamond, the diamond which is believed to have been mined in the Golconda diamond mines, has remained elusive for centuries. Rumors have been picking pace, the basic narrative about the diamond remains very similar in all those reports. The first Nizam of Hyderabad is believed to have worn a valuable turban ornament, that had the Seraphim Blue Diamond in the Center. The Nizam named Asaf Jah 1 wore this diamond turban ornament only on very special occasions. Few reports talk about not one but two diamond turban ornaments - the other turban ornament apparently had a pink diamond also from the Golconda mines, in the center.

The Seraphim Blue Diamond exited the Nizam's treasury after a few decades, this when Asaf Jah 2 the second Nizam of Hyderabad, handed over the diamond to the French in return for military protection. A few framed pictures of the first Nizam show him wearing an opulent turban ornaments, in the center of that ornament is a blue tone - claims have been made that it is the Seraphim Blue Diamond!

Reports have surfaced claiming that the historic Golconda blue diamond, now forms part of a high value collection in Russia. Other reports mention Europe and do not specifically define the place to be Russia. 

asaf jah 1 turban ornament
nizam seraphim blue diamond

Hardcore diamond auction bidders and well known diamond auction houses, await official certifications of the story behind the Seraphim Blue Diamond and details about the features of the blue diamond itself. Until that point it would be impossible to separate facts from fairy tales. While the entire story of the Seraphim Blue Diamond including pictures of the framed photos seem believable, there is really no susbstitute for certifications from a reputed diamond testing facility. Diamond experts and auction houses like Sotheby's and Christie's are unlikely to accept, anything less than an official certification from offices like the GIA and Gubelin. 

NOTE

This report on blue diamonds has been compiled by TheJewelsOnline purely for information. We neither own nor offer any of the blue diamonds including, the Blue Heart Diamond, Seraphim Blue Diamond or the Hope Diamond, for sale. It is recommended that high priced diamonds like the historic blue diamonds from the Golconda mines, be purchased from reputed auction houses like Sotheby's and Christie's.