Diamonds



What is a Diamond?

Diamond is a mineral made of carbon which has been crystallized in an isometric arrangement.

In order to understand this definition we must analyze a few key terms. Minerals have never
and never will be alive; they are inorganic. Diamonds, although made of carbon (the defining
element in living things), are also inorganic.

The next thing to realize in the definition is that diamonds, like most minerals, have a characteristic
chemical composition. Chemical composition defines the kinds of atoms which make up the
mineral and the relative amounts of each. Diamonds are the only gem to be essentially composed
of a single element, Carbon.

Diamonds, like most minerals, also have a characteristic crystal structure. This is the determining
factor in naming a mineral a diamond. Diamonds, some synthetic diamonds, and the graphite
found in pencil lead are all made of carbon but their characteristics differ due to crystal structure.
Diamonds have an isometric (cubic) crystal structure. The atoms in this structure are arranged
the same in all directions in a cube shaped space. Graphites form when temperature is high in
relation to pressure and diamonds, when pressure is high in relation to temperature.