Ep 35. Diamond Mines

Diamonds are one of the most precious and sought after gemstones on earth. They are symbols of love, status, and wealth. But where do these precious stones come from? The answer is diamond mines. Modern Marvels season 9 episode 35 takes us inside the world of diamond mining.

The episode starts with an overview of diamonds, their value, and their history. We learn that diamonds were first discovered in India over 2,000 years ago. It wasn't until the 1800s that diamond mines were discovered in South Africa, which led to the diamond rush.

Next, we go inside some of the world's largest diamond mines. The first mine we visit is the Argyle Diamond Mine in Australia. This mine is famous for its pink diamonds, which are some of the rarest and most valuable diamonds in the world. We see how these diamonds are mined and how they are sorted and graded.

The episode then takes us to the Cullinan Diamond Mine in South Africa. This mine is known for producing some of the largest and most valuable diamonds in the world, including the Cullinan diamond, which was the largest diamond ever found. We learn about the history of the mine and how the diamonds are mined and processed.

The episode also explores the risks and dangers of diamond mining. We see how miners work in dangerous conditions and how they use explosives to break up the rock in the mines. We also learn about the environmental impact of diamond mining and how companies are working to minimize their impact on the environment.

Next, we go inside a diamond cutting and polishing facility. We learn how the rough, uncut diamonds are transformed into the sparkling gems we see in jewelry. We also learn about the skill and precision required to cut and polish diamonds.

Finally, the episode explores the future of diamond mining. We learn about new technologies that are making it easier and safer for miners to extract diamonds from the earth. We also learn about the growing market for lab-grown diamonds and how they compare to natural diamonds.

Overall, Modern Marvels season 9 episode 35 provides a fascinating look at the world of diamond mining. From the dangerous conditions to the skilled art of cutting and polishing, viewers will gain a new appreciation for these precious stones and the people who work hard to bring them to market.