DIAMONDS - THE SCIENCE

Diamonds are made of carbon and the hardest known substance on the planet, which is why it is used mainly in industry. Each carbon atom is surrounded by four other carbon atoms in a tetrahedral co-ordination.
It has a perfect four-directional cleavage, adamantine luster and both a high-reflective index, 2.42, and specific gravity, 3.52.
The colour is diamond is usually pale yellow to completely colourless but can also be found rarely in brown, blue, green, orange, red and black.
It has a widely known reputation of being indestructible, hence the original Greek name, ADAMAS, meaning "invincible', it is where the word 'adamant' stems from.

These stones, until cut by experts look unexpectidely ordinary, but after, turn into the luxury which most people associate with the stones.
Before cutting...


After cutting...



Most diamonds are estimated to have been formed 3billion years ago, making them 3/4 of the planet's age. Some younger ones, however were only formed 100million years ago.
Most were created in molten rock, 75 to 120 miles below the surface of the Earth, then blown to the surface in volcanic erruptions, through pipes of volcanic rock known as 'Kimberlite'.