Diamonds Are Made Under Pressure
I’m sure you’ve heard the quote before:
“Diamonds are formed under pressure, but never forget, they are not formed overnight.”
In nature, diamonds are formed under pressure and heat causing carbon atoms to crystallize and form coveted diamonds. Diamonds are found 150–200 kilometers below the Earth’s surface. The temperatures down under range from 900–1300 degrees Celsius at a pressure that is 50,000 times that of the Earth’s atmosphere. Luckily, nature has a way of bringing these diamonds to the surface so we don’t have to dig for them.
Not all volcanoes occur on the Earth’s surface. Volcanic pipes are responsible for surfacing diamonds. High levels of magnesium and carbon dioxide force magma to the surface resulting in an eruption. A crater filled with kimberlite pipes is formed in the Earth after the eruption. Kimberlite pipes hold precious diamonds and other stunning gems for miners to find.
If you notice, there is no coal involved in the diamond forming process. That is a myth. An old chunk of coal does not magically transform into a diamond through time and pressure. Diamonds are natural. They come from a perfect combination of the Earth’s elements fusing together over time. They come from within. And under the right circumstances, and at the right time, they naturally surface.
Times of stress and pressure can make us stronger as individuals. When we are under stress we usually come face to face with a hurdle preventing us from achieving our goal. Whether we overcome a hurdle or succumb to it, we learn, and this knowledge gives us the strength to carry on.
Stress signifies that we are on the right track. However, we do not prosper from added stress. This happens when we place added pressure on ourselves to achieve goals or allow external forces to influence us. Remember, the Earth doesn’t add pressure to form a diamond. It is simply natural.
Stress is beneficial. Under pressure, we can complete some of our best work and perform amazing feats. On May 7th, 2021 Virginian police officer Jon Holt single-handily saved a woman trapped under her car after a traffic accident. Holt sprung into action and lifted the overturned SUV just enough so the woman could escape. And this is not the first time Holt performed a heroic feat! Back in March 2020, he rescued two people from a burning building. Without the added pressure and stress of the situation, it is unlikely that Holt would find this hidden courage and strength.
Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of pressure to allow the diamonds within us to surface.
