DIAMOND

A diamond is an allotrope of carbon in which the carbon atoms are arranged in a cubic crystal lattice. Of all naturally occurring materials, diamonds boast the highest thermal conductivity and hardness. These properties make it a very useful component of industrial cutting and polishing tools.

This allotrope of carbon is made in the upper mantle of the Earth. It is entirely made up of carbon (just like graphite and coal). This arrangement of carbon atoms arises due to immense heat and high pressure. Here are some important uses:

They are used in jewelry (such as earrings, engagement rings, pendants, etc.) due to their shiny luster and their durability. They are used in making jewelry because of their durability and luster property.

A perfect interplay of cut, color, clarity, and carat weight determines a diamond’s worth, creating a captivating and valuable gem of enduring beauty. Diamonds have long been admired for their brilliance and rarity, making them one of the most valuable gemstones in the world.

Key points:
Chemical formula: C
Element: Carbon
Structure: Each carbon atom is bonded to four neighboring carbon atoms in a tetrahedral arrangement, giving diamond its unique hardness.

USES

Traditionally, because of being so hard and durable, their use has centred on cutting, drilling and polishing, and they are especially popular in the mining industry and in the military.

Diamonds were worn as adornments, used as cutting tools, served as a talisman to ward off evil, and were believed to provide protection in battle. In the Dark Ages, diamonds were also used as a medical aid and were thought to cure illness and heal wounds when ingested.

Diamonds will always be a girls best friend. They make the most beautiful pieces of jewelry.

MOHS HARDNESS

10

LUSTER

The luster of a diamond is described as “adamantine”, which means diamond-like. Reflections on a properly cut diamond’s facets are undistorted, due to their flatness. The refractive index (as measured via sodium light, 589.3 nm) is 2.417. Because it is cubic in structure, it is also isotropic.

CHEMICAL COMPOUND

The chemical compound is simply carbon (C), as it is entirely made up of carbon atoms arranged in a specific crystal lattice structure. Essentially, a diamond is a pure form of carbon.

WHERE TO FIND

Some of the largest and most beautiful diamonds can be found with the Royal Family.

If you prefer to dig your own, give the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas a try.

Crater of Diamonds State Park:
A 911-acre state park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas
A 37.5-acre plowed field where visitors can search for diamonds
They are often found loose in the soil
Visitors can keep any rocks or minerals they find
The park has many amenities, including walking trails, picnic sites, campsites, a gift shop, and a water park

DIAGNOSTIC PROPERTIES

Hardness, heat conductivity, crystal form, index of refraction, dispersion.