Diamond Crime Test

Carat

The mass/weight of the diamond. Larger carat are usually more expensive.

Color

Degree to which diamond is colorless - best is colorless - rarest are red.

Clarity

Measure of the internal defects (inclusions). Fewer imperfections more $.

Cut

How it is shaped and polished.

Rough Diamond

An uncut diamond.

Polished Diamond

A rough diamond that has been cut and smoothed.

Revolutionary United Force (RUF)

A rebel group in Sierra Leone that used violence and forced labor to control diamond mines during the Civil War.

War Crimes

Serious violations of the laws of war such as killing civilians, using child soldiers, or torture.

Kimberley Process Certification Scheme

An international system that helps prevent conflict diamonds from entering the legal diamond trade.

Lome Peace Agreement

A 1999 peace agreement intended to end the Sierra Leone Civil War between the government and the RUF.

Crimes Against Humanity

Widespread or systematic attacks against civilians including murder, rape, and slavery.

Machete

A large knife often used as a weapon during the conflict in Sierra Leone.

De Beer Diamond Trends

Marketing strategies by De Beers that increased diamond demand (diamonds as a symbol of love and marriage).

Foday Sankoh

Leader of the RUF who played a major role in Sierra Leone’s Civil War.

Charles Taylor

Former president of Liberia who supported the RUF and was convicted of war crimes.

Effects of Rape on Women

Physical injury, emotional trauma, social stigma, long term psychological harm.

Other Minerals Used For Mining and What are Their Uses

• Gold - Jewelry, electronics

• Coltan - Cell phones, electronics

• Tin - Cans, solder

• Tantalum - Electronic devices

• Copper - Wiring and plumbing