New insights into the processes of continental evolution and movement during the early stages of complex life on Earth have been revealed by the examination of ancient, superdeep diamonds that were excavated from mines in Brazil and Western Africa. An international team of experts examined these diamonds, which are believed to have originated on the base of the supercontinent Gondwana between 650-million and 450-million years ago. Their analysis has provided insight into the formation, stabilisation and movement of such supercontinents.