The world of gemstones : China

China became a producer of diamonds following the discovery of alluvial deposits in 1940.

Between 1960 and 1980 the mine at Dingjigang largest alluvial deposit of the country. But the danger caused to nearby agricultural land forced the mine to close. Local farmers, however, continue extract diamonds on a smaller scale.

The diamonds produced by China are relatively small, and most remain in China to satisfy the domestic market.

Currently China does not seem to use modern methods for diamond mining, but it is likely that if some areas were explored more intensively large deposits of diamonds would be discovered there.