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.