Diamonds have long captured the world’s fascination — symbols of love, power, and timeless beauty. But with modern mining, growing environmental concerns, and the rise of lab-grown alternatives, many people are starting to wonder: can diamonds still be found today?
In this blog, we’ll uncover where natural diamond stones are still mined, explore where new deposits might be discovered next, discuss whether lab-grown diamonds are the future, and answer one of the most pressing questions: Are we really running out of natural diamonds?
Let’s dig in.
Where Are Diamonds Found?
Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth’s mantle, under extreme heat and pressure, and brought closer to the surface through volcanic eruptions. These eruptions create kimberlite pipes — the primary sources of diamond deposits.
Today, about 65% of the world’s natural diamonds come from just five countries:
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Russia – The largest diamond producer globally, accounting for nearly 30% of global diamond output. The majority come from the Yakutia region, particularly the Mirny and Udachny mines.
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Botswana – Home to the Jwaneng Mine, often called the richest diamond mine by value. The diamond industry contributes to nearly 35% of Botswana’s GDP.
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Canada – Known for its environmentally conscious mining, Canada produces about 13% of the world’s diamonds, mainly from the Ekati and Diavik mines.
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Australia – The now-closed Argyle Mine was once the world’s main source of pink diamonds, one of the rarest and most valuable varieties.
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South Africa – Historically the birthplace of modern diamond mining, South Africa remains a key producer of large, high-quality diamond stones.
Interestingly, smaller but promising deposits have also been found in Angola, Namibia, and Sierra Leone, where mining continues to play a major role in local economies.
Where Could Diamonds Be Found Next?
Even though most of the world’s richest diamond mines have been discovered, exploration hasn’t stopped. Geologists are constantly using new technologies to locate untapped deposits deep beneath the Earth’s surface or in previously unexplored areas.
1. The Arctic and Northern Canada
Ongoing geological surveys suggest that northern Canada, particularly Nunavut and parts of the Northwest Territories, may hold undiscovered kimberlite fields. Despite harsh conditions, mining companies are expanding their exploration efforts in these regions.
2. The Ocean Floor
Marine mining is an emerging frontier in diamond exploration. Companies like De Beers Marine already recover over 1.4 million carats annually off Namibia’s coast using advanced underwater technology. Scientists believe there could be billions of carats of undiscovered diamonds buried beneath the seabed.
3. Deep Earth Exploration
New geophysical tools are allowing scientists to map volcanic structures deep underground. This technology could reveal hidden kimberlite pipes in areas previously overlooked, including parts of Brazil, India, and East Africa.
In short, while the surface diamond deposits are becoming rarer, innovation and technology are helping us explore new frontiers — both on land and under the sea.
Is It Better to Lab Grow Diamonds Now?
The rise of lab-grown diamonds has transformed the jewellery market. These stones are physically, chemically, and optically identical to natural diamonds — the only difference is how they’re made.
The Benefits of Lab-Grown Diamonds:
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Sustainability: Lab-grown diamonds use around 60–70% less energy than mining operations and have a significantly lower carbon footprint.
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Affordability: They are typically 30–50% cheaper than mined diamonds of the same quality.
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Ethical Assurance: No mining means no concerns about conflict diamonds or labour exploitation.
The Case for Natural Diamonds:
While lab-grown diamonds are growing in popularity, many collectors still prefer natural diamond stones for their rarity and history. Natural diamonds are a finite resource — and that scarcity adds to their allure and long-term investment potential.
In 2023, global sales of lab-grown diamonds grew by 38%, while natural diamond sales remained steady among high-end buyers, according to the International Gemological Institute (IGI). This shows that both have their place in today’s market — lab-grown diamonds for accessibility, and natural diamonds for legacy.
When Will We Run Out of Natural Diamonds?
This is one of the most common questions people ask — and the answer might surprise you.
Experts estimate that at current mining rates, known diamond reserves could last another 20–30 years. After that, the cost of extraction may outweigh the value of the diamonds themselves, making mining less viable.
However, this doesn’t mean diamonds will disappear. New discoveries, technological advancements, and alternative mining methods (like deep-sea recovery) could extend availability far beyond that.
Additionally, the growing popularity of lab-grown diamonds is reducing demand pressure on natural sources, helping to preserve existing reserves.
According to a report by Bain & Company, the global supply of natural diamonds has declined by around 5% per yearsince 2019 — mainly due to mine closures — while demand for polished diamonds remains strong, especially in Asia and North America.
In other words, while natural diamonds are becoming rarer, they’re not extinct yet. And that rarity only makes them more special.
Conclusion
So, can diamonds still be found? Absolutely — but they’re becoming harder to uncover. The world’s richest mines have already given up their best treasures, and the search for new deposits is moving into challenging, remote territories like the Arctic and ocean floors.
At the same time, lab-grown diamonds are emerging as a sustainable, affordable, and ethical alternative, ensuring that the sparkle of diamonds never fades — even as natural resources decline.
Whether you choose a mined or lab-grown stone, what truly matters is the story your diamond tells. It’s not just about rarity or brilliance; it’s about connection, memory, and timeless beauty.
FAQs
1. Are natural diamonds still being mined today?
Yes, natural diamonds are still actively mined in countries like Russia, Botswana, Canada, and South Africa. However, production levels are gradually declining as mines age.
2. Are we running out of natural diamonds?
Not yet, but supplies are limited. Experts estimate about 20–30 years of economically viable reserves remain, though new discoveries could extend that.
3. Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds have the same physical and chemical properties as natural ones. The only difference is that they’re created in controlled lab environments rather than formed underground.
4. Can diamonds be found anywhere?
Not quite. Natural diamonds are found in specific geological formations called kimberlite pipes, which occur in only a few regions worldwide.
5. Which is better to buy: natural or lab-grown diamonds?
It depends on your priorities. If you value rarity and tradition, go for natural diamonds. If you prefer affordability and sustainability, lab-grown diamonds are an excellent choice.