This was stated by Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council member Shripal Desai while speaking at a seminar organised by Gujarat Diamond Development Board, Indian Diamond Institute, Surat Diamond Association and the District Industries Centre here on Sunday.

Nitrogen impurity, when bombarded with electron beams, artificially changes the colour of the diamond. The value of an ordinary diamond could go up several times by using the technique, he claimed.

Presiding over the seminar, Union Textile Minister Kashiram Rana said infrastructural facilities, like airports, would be made available locally for industrial development. He said Rajhans Airways have been given permission to start services on the Bangalore, Delhi and Bhavnagar routes.

The operator will be allowed to fly 40-seater planes. Inaugurating the seminar, Industry minister Suresh Mehta said his government had accorded highest priority to the diamond industry, and decided to solve all its problems on an urgent basis. He said the government had agreed in principle to have another diamond bourse in Surat.