Diamond is one of the two best known forms
(or allotropes) of carbon, whose hardness
and high dispersion of light make it useful for
industrial applications and jewelry. (The other
equally well known allotrope is graphite.)
Diamonds are specifically renowned as a
mineral with superlative physical qualities —
they make excellent abrasives because they
can be scratched only by other diamonds,
Borazon, ultrahard fullerite, or aggregated
diamond nanorods, which also means they
hold a polish extremely well and retain
luster. About 130 million carats (26,000 kg)
are mined annually, with a total value of
nearly USD $9 billion. About 100,000 kg are
synthesized annually.
The name “diamond” derives from the
ancient Greek adamas (αδάμας; “invincible”).
They have been treasured as gemstones
since their use as religious icons in India at
least 2,500 years ago—and usage in drill bits
and engraving tools also dates to early
human history. Popularity of diamonds has
risen since the 19th century because of
increased supply, improved cutting and
polishing techniques, growth in the world
economy, and innovative and successful
advertising campaigns. They are commonly
judged by the “four Cs”: carat, clarity, color,
and cut. Although synthetic diamonds are
produced each year at nearly four times the
rate of natural diamonds, the vast majority of
synthetic diamonds produced are small
imperfect diamonds suitable only for
industrial-grade use.
Roughly 49% of diamonds originate from
central and southern Africa, although
significant sources of the mineral have been
discovered in Canada, India, Russia, Brazil,
and Australia. They are generally mined from
volcanic pipes, which are deep in the Earth
where the high pressure and temperature
enables the formation of the crystals. The
mining and distribution of natural diamonds
are subjects of frequent controversy—such
as with concerns over the sale of conflict
diamonds by African paramilitary groups.
There are also allegations that the De Beers
Group misuses its dominance in the industry
to control supply and manipulate price via
monopolistic practices, although in recent
years the company's market share has
dropped to below 50%.
A diamond is a transparent crystal of pure
carbon consisting of tetrahedrally bonded
carbon atoms. Humans have been able to
adapt diamonds for many uses because of
the material's exceptional physical
characteristics. Most notable among these
properties are the extreme hardness of
diamond, its high dispersion index, and high
thermal conductivity. These properties form
the basis for most modern applications of
diamond.
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(or allotropes) of carbon, whose hardness
and high dispersion of light make it useful for
industrial applications and jewelry. (The other
equally well known allotrope is graphite.)
Diamonds are specifically renowned as a
mineral with superlative physical qualities —
they make excellent abrasives because they
can be scratched only by other diamonds,
Borazon, ultrahard fullerite, or aggregated
diamond nanorods, which also means they
hold a polish extremely well and retain
luster. About 130 million carats (26,000 kg)
are mined annually, with a total value of
nearly USD $9 billion. About 100,000 kg are
synthesized annually.
The name “diamond” derives from the
ancient Greek adamas (αδάμας; “invincible”).
They have been treasured as gemstones
since their use as religious icons in India at
least 2,500 years ago—and usage in drill bits
and engraving tools also dates to early
human history. Popularity of diamonds has
risen since the 19th century because of
increased supply, improved cutting and
polishing techniques, growth in the world
economy, and innovative and successful
advertising campaigns. They are commonly
judged by the “four Cs”: carat, clarity, color,
and cut. Although synthetic diamonds are
produced each year at nearly four times the
rate of natural diamonds, the vast majority of
synthetic diamonds produced are small
imperfect diamonds suitable only for
industrial-grade use.
Roughly 49% of diamonds originate from
central and southern Africa, although
significant sources of the mineral have been
discovered in Canada, India, Russia, Brazil,
and Australia. They are generally mined from
volcanic pipes, which are deep in the Earth
where the high pressure and temperature
enables the formation of the crystals. The
mining and distribution of natural diamonds
are subjects of frequent controversy—such
as with concerns over the sale of conflict
diamonds by African paramilitary groups.
There are also allegations that the De Beers
Group misuses its dominance in the industry
to control supply and manipulate price via
monopolistic practices, although in recent
years the company's market share has
dropped to below 50%.
A diamond is a transparent crystal of pure
carbon consisting of tetrahedrally bonded
carbon atoms. Humans have been able to
adapt diamonds for many uses because of
the material's exceptional physical
characteristics. Most notable among these
properties are the extreme hardness of
diamond, its high dispersion index, and high
thermal conductivity. These properties form
the basis for most modern applications of
diamond.
Return to Homepage
See more top product guides
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