Rocks and minerals -> diamond

Diamond

Diamond is a naturally occurring mineral made of carbon arranged in a crystal structure. It is the hardest known natural material and is highly valued for its use in jewelry, as well as its industrial applications.

Formation

Diamonds are formed deep within the Earth's mantle under high pressure and temperature conditions. They are brought to the surface through volcanic eruptions in a type of rock called kimberlite.

Physical Properties

• Hardness: Diamond is the hardest natural material, scoring 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness.
• Luster: It has a high luster, giving it a sparkling appearance.
• Color: Diamonds can occur in various colors, including white, yellow, blue, and pink.
• Transparency: They are transparent to translucent, allowing light to pass through and creating the sparkle associated with diamonds.

Uses

Diamonds have a wide range of uses, including:

• As gemstones in jewelry
• In industrial applications, such as cutting, grinding, and drilling due to their hardness
• In scientific research, including as a window for high-pressure research and as a material for electronic components

Study Guide

Here are some key points to remember about diamonds:

1. What is the chemical composition of diamonds?
2. How are diamonds formed?
3. What is the hardness of diamonds on the Mohs scale?
4. What are some of the uses of diamonds?

Understanding the formation, properties, and uses of diamonds can help you appreciate their significance in both the natural world and human society.