Thermoplastics, in basic terms, are melt-processable plastics (materials that are processed with heat). When enough heat is added to bring the temperature of the plastic above its melt point, the plastic liquefies (softens enough to be processed).
In the U.S., diamonds have been found in Arkansas, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. In 2004, the discovery of a microscopic diamond in the U.S. led to the January 2008 bulk-sampling of kimberlite pipes in a remote part of Montana.
Approximately 25 million carats of natural diamonds go toward jewelry each year, another 80 million carats of natural diamonds go toward industrial use, and an additional 570 million carats of lab-manufactured synthetic diamonds are created for industrial purposes. This does not mean synthetic diamonds should not be considered for jewelry. Prices are much lower than natural diamonds, and the quality can be worse or better than a natural diamond. Where is My Diamond From? Natural diamonds are mined in approximately 25 countries across five continents.