In the world of jewelry, colored diamonds have a special place, but when it comes to special gems chameleon diamonds are among the rarest and most valuable in the diamond industry. Well, incredible as it may seem, this little-known variety of gems possesses the unique ability to temporarily change its color in response to light and heat. Being the Chopard chameleon diamond, the largest and most famous gem of its kind with 31.32 carats.
Although it could be thought that the chameleon diamond is a type of diamond produced artificially or that it has received a color treatment, the truth is that it is one of the rarest stones that only nature produces, since until now it has not There is no treatment or process that can reproduce this effect. Though, scientifically it is believed that the presence of elements such as hydrogen and nitrogen in its crystalline structure would be responsible for the chameleon effect.
Another characteristic that defines these diamonds is that it is not possible to find them in pure or intense colors and normally, in their stable color they only exhibit green, yellow and gray tones; while in their temporary tone or unstable color they tend to look for a tone between intense brown, orange or yellow.
Because they are colored diamonds, at first glance it is difficult to identify if it is a chameleon diamond, so a simple test can be done to determine it. And for that, there are two methods.: the first is to verify if a process called thermochromism occurs, and consists of using a flame to subject the diamond to a minimum heating of 150°C, enough to cause it to change color; although after cooling it will return to its original tone.
While in the second method, based on photochromism, the diamond is stored in a dark place for at least 24 hours, to later take it to a lighted place and see if the color change characteristic of this type of diamond occurs. In general, if it is a chameleon diamond, the green ones, for example, will change to a shade of brown, orange or yellow.
Likewise, it is important to know that within chameleon diamonds there are two types: the «Classic Chameleon», known for their ability to darken after being stored for long periods of time in dark places or heated; and lighten or reveal their stable color, after exposure to light or cooling. For your part the “Reverse Chameleons”, they differ from these in that they do not change color when heated and their stable color darkens only when exposed to light, but lightens when left in a dark environment.
Despite being a highly valued gem, it is unknown the exact origin and the location of its main deposits, although chameleon diamonds have been found in several mines in Brazil, Borneo, Venezuela, Sierra Leone and the Ivory Coast. Chameleon diamonds have definitely revolutionized the world of jewelry with their beauty and rarity, so if you are looking for an intriguing jewel, this type of diamond is the right choice.