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| For immediate release |
January 25, 2006 |
MEDIA RELEASE
Diamonds in the Rough:
Unique Uncut Diamond Exhibit Opens at U of A
Edmonton – January 25, 2006 - Long before it sparkles and shines in a box from Tiffany's, a diamond undergoes a journey lasting billions of years and hundreds of kilometres. A new permanent exhibit of more than 60 (rough) diamonds is set to open at the University of Alberta's Mineralogy and Petrology Museum (B-08 Earth Sciences Building) on Friday 27th January, beginning at 10:30am.
Produced by the Department of Museums and Collections Services and the Department of Earth Atmospheric Sciences, the exhibit traces the journey made by diamonds before they are cut and polished. Drawing on the research of Dr. Thomas Stachel, professor and Canada Research Chair in Diamonds, the exhibit showcases diamonds' crystal shape, colour, inclusions and surface features.
"Unpolished diamonds tell a much different story than a cut stone," explains Stachel. "Their rough features tell us their history -- how they grow and where they were stored deep in the Earth, as well as how they were transported to the surface."
The research that has uncovered this story provides geologists with invaluable information concerning the location, grade and quality of these rare gems. The new exhibit incorporates this diamond research for the education of thousands of students and visitors who visit the Mineralogy and Petrology Museum each year.
The exhibit was funded in part by the Alberta Museums Association and by the Friends of the University of Alberta Museums. The majority of diamonds are on permanent loan from the Diamond Trading Company in London, a branch of the diamond mining giant De Beers. Richard Molyneux, President and CEO of De Beers Canada, was instrumental in securing the samples for the collection.
"De Beers is delighted to continue its support of the work being done by the University of Alberta De Beers Diamond Research Laboratory. This small collection was chosen to demonstrate the amazing variability found in natural diamonds. Apart from their rarity and beauty their origin at great depth provides valuable insights for increasing our understanding for the earth," said Molyneux.
The exhibit also features a number of exotic items including a 4-carat unpolished pink diamond, a pyramid diamond sliced in half, and several garnets - 'bling' that's perfect for a media photo opportunity!
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| For further information contact: |
Linda Dorrington
Manager Public and Corporate Affairs
De Beers Canada Inc
Office: 416-645-1710 ext 412
Cell: 416-818-2254
Email: linda.dorrington@ca.debeersgroup.com |
Julie Naylor
Communications Officer
Faculty of Science
University of Alberta
Office: 780-492-4073 |
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