NOVA — S44E05 — Treasures of the Earth: Gems

00:00:02 NARRATOR: Gemstones, precious metals,

00:02:42 and cherish them as symbols of our love

00:04:57 CHAN: It seems like the rocks are talking to me,

00:07:20 NARRATOR: Carbon is one of Earth's most common elements...

00:09:38 But diamonds only form

00:11:38 is when its electron shells are filled,

00:13:45 90% of America's diamonds pass through one city:

00:16:05 It says, "Michael, you did a good job"

00:18:14 along with how the diamond affects wavelengths of light,

00:20:44 and given to the Smithsonian Institution

00:23:02 but gems can come in a surprising array of colors

00:25:12 as president at Apple

00:27:14 All the continents on Earth ride on giant tectonic plates

00:29:33 NARRATOR: The illam is sediment comprised of rocks and dirt

00:31:49 which in its pure state is colorless

00:34:17 here in what is now North Carolina

00:36:14 and they have to be because otherwise,

00:38:47 And now, the culture of jade

00:41:09 and a hard abrasive were used

00:43:36 We've all heard many stories that a piece of jade shatters

00:45:39 VINCI: I love opals

00:48:03 into what we know today

00:50:03 NARRATOR: Then the diamonds are polished

00:52:16 both aesthetic and scientific, can indeed last forever