Diamond is one of the most valuable and hard minerals that are known to man in existence. Its hardness is second only to that of the precious gem stone, sapphire. Its value has been recognised, coveted and revered throughout history, and despite its price tag, it remains a popular choice for jewellery and engagement rings.
Diamond is the most studied mineral, and in fact each and every diamond is unique. Though it can appear in various colours, most diamonds – the ones used for jewellery – have a colourless transparency that allows the stone to sparkle in the light. The stone itself is made up of pure carbon that is formed when intense heat and pressure come together and at extremely high temperatures, as found in some parts of earth’s mantle and mantle. Diamond is found in particular regions, yet is most commonly obtained from kimberlite rocks located in South Africa and other parts of the world.
The structure of a diamond is an ordered array of atoms, interconnected in a lattice formation. This gives diamond its crystal cubic system and its isometric figure, which lends to its strong structure and rustic beauty.
When the diamond is mined and cut, it is measured in size and brilliance. The larger the diamond, the more valuable. Other characteristics that are taken into consideration include color, clarity and cut, since each has its own effect on the beauty of the diamond.
As far as physical characteristics, diamonds are not only hard but also dense. The diamond’s density makes it heavier than other similar substances like quartz or granite. The density of a diamond is 3.52 grams per cubic centimetre, which is higher than other similar minerals such as sapphire (3.99 g/cm3) or zircon (4.56 g/cm3). This makes the diamond heavy enough to wear and display on jewellery, but still light and easily portable.
Diamond’s durability and strength have made it a symbol of power and status. Its resistance to pressure, heat, and chemicals make it a valuable asset to scientists and researchers, who have used diamonds in tools such as microscopes and telescopes. They can also be cut and sculpted into various shapes, making them popular decorations used in a plethora of jewellery designs.
Overall, diamonds have become the most sought after gemstones due to their beauty, rarity and hardness. As a result, they have a substantial price tag. However, they remain a symbol of love and commitment, as well as an investment that has the potential to appreciate in value over time.
