Diamonds are vastly older than any archeological relic, so carbon dating—which can only date items back to around 60,000 years ago—isnt possible. These radioactive isotopes are like tiny, slow-ticking clocks captured in the fabric of a diamond crystal.

Can a diamond be dated?

Diamonds are vastly older than any archeological relic, so carbon dating—which can only date items back to around 60,000 years ago—isnt possible. These radioactive isotopes are like tiny, slow-ticking clocks captured in the fabric of a diamond crystal.

What is the average age of a diamond?

Most natural diamonds have ages between 1 billion and 3.5 billion years. Most were formed at depths between 150 and 250 kilometres (93 and 155 mi) in the Earths mantle, although a few have come from as deep as 800 kilometres (500 mi).