April's Birthstone is Diamond
A sparkling Diamond is a token of eternity and is said to symbolise courage and health.Colour: Although diamonds are associated with a colourless stone, they are occasionally found with a strong, bright colour - green, red, pink, blue, canary yellow and amber. These "fancy" coloured diamonds are highly prized.
History: Diamond comes from the Greek word "adamas" which means unconquerable - suggesting the eternity of love. In fact, diamonds have been the traditional symbol of love since the time of the ancient Greeks. Discovered about 2,500 years ago in India, the ancients believed they were either splinters from the stars, crystallised lightening or hardened dewdrops. Most diamonds are over 100 million years old, and many are over three billion years, making diamonds the oldest of all gemstones. They are also the hardest substances known to man, made of carbon that is crystallised deep within the earth. According to ancient mythology, white or clear stones signified integrity, innocence and happiness. They were also thought to symbolise the power of good over the forces of darkness.
Found in: Australia, Russia, Botswana and South Africa.