Diamond
What is Diamond?
Diamond is a form of carbon in which the carbon atoms are arranged in a crystal lattice structure. It’s primarily found in various parts of the world including Russia, Botswana, and Australia. Diamond is often used as a gemstone and is popular for its unique hardness and brilliant sparkle.
Diamond is a precious gemstone that comes in a variety of colors, although the most popular is colorless. Its unique hardness and brilliance make it a popular choice for engagement rings and other high-end jewelry.
| Chemical Classification | Inorganic - Carbon (Diamond) |
| Color | While diamonds are most commonly thought of as colorless, they can come in a range of colors, including yellow, blue, green, and even black. |
| Streak | White |
| Luster | Adamantine. |
| Transparency | Transparent. |
| Occurrence | Russia, Botswana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. |
| Formation | Diamonds form deep within the Earth's mantle under extreme heat and pressure and are brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions. |
| Diaphaneity | Transparent |
| Cleavage | None |
| Mohs Hardness | 10 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.52. |
| Diagnostic Properties | Exceptional hardness, high refractive index. |
| Chemical Composition | C |
| Pleochroism | None. |
| Crystal System | Isometric/Cubic |
| Optical Properties | Isotropic |
| Refractive Index | 2.417 |
| Birefringence | None (isotropic) |
| 2V angle | Not applicable (isometric) |
| Dispersion | 0.044. |