Diamond Gemstones and Diamond Jewelry
Diamond is the hardest natural substance known. It is formed in deep in the mantle, and only brought to the surface via Kimberlite pipes, eclogites and other rocks that originate deep from the mantle. Diamonds are also found in alluvial deposits, along with Quartz, Corundum, Zircon and other minerals.
Diamond is the ultimate gemstone, having few weaknesses and many strengths. It is well known that Diamond is the hardest substance found in nature, but few people realize that Diamonds are four times harder than the next hardest natural mineral, corundum (sapphire and ruby). But even as hard as it is, it is not impervious.
Diamonds have four directions of cleavage, meaning that if it receives a sharp blow in one of these directions it will cleave, or split. A skilled diamond setter and/or jeweler will prevent any of these directions from being in a position to be struck while mounted in a jewelry piece.
As a gemstone, Diamond's single flaw (perfect cleavage) is far outdistanced by the sum of its positive qualities. It has a broad color range, high refraction, high dispersion or fire, very low reactivity to chemicals, rarity, and of course, extreme hardness and durability. Diamond is the April Birthstone.
Diamond is a polymorph of the element carbon. Graphite is another polymorph. The two share the same chemistry, carbon, but have very different structures and properties. Diamond is hard, Graphite is soft (the ''lead'' of a pencil). Diamond is an excellent electrical insulator, Graphite is a good conductor of electricity. Diamond is the ultimate abrasive, Graphite is a very good lubricant. Diamond is transparent, Graphite is opaque. Diamond crystallizes in the Isometric system and graphite crystallizes in the hexagonal system.
Somewhat of a surprise is that at surface temperatures and pressures, Graphite is the stable form of carbon. In fact, all diamonds at or near the surface of the Earth are currently undergoing a transformation into Graphite. This reaction, fortunately, is extremely slow.
Diamonds color is variable and tends toward pale yellows, browns, grays, and also white, blue, black, reddish, greenish and colorless. Luster is adamantine to waxy. Notable diamond occurrences include South Africa and other localities throughout Africa, India, Brazil, Russia, Australia, and Arkansas.
