Natural Diamonds are a unique and rare find in the wild world that is Nature, and are known to be one of the hardest substances on our planet. Diamonds are said to provide the wearer with better relationships and a boost to their inner strength. Wearing diamonds is said to provide other benefits such as clarity, increased balance and abundance. Derived from the Greek word Adamas, meaning "invincible", Diamonds come naturally in a range of colors. Black, blue, green, yellow, pink, red, purple, orange, and the more common white/clear. Diamonds can also have color introduced artificially. The natural colors that occur are dependent on the type of impurities present in the stone. In the Encarta, sanskrit texts that date back before 400 B.C. found that people associated significant value and wonderment with crystals. Research from the year 1330 links diamond cutting to have been occurring in the city of Venice. The diamond trade began to flourish around the 15th Century due to the opening of Eastern Trading Routes. There are many ancient theories touting the prevalence of diamonds containing magical powers. Some thought lightning bolts formed diamonds, others believed them to be the tears of the gods. During the Middle Ages, diamonds were thought to have healing properties, and to cure ailments stemming from the pituitary gland and brain. By heating the crystal and taking it to bed, it was thought to remove all of the harmful toxins that were crippling the body. As April's gemstone, Diamonds have garnered the hearts of many and is the most coveted crystal to date. No wonder it is commonly referred to as the "King of Birthstones"!