Diamonds - Introduction

A diamond is a form of carbon that was created deep within the core of the earth more than 3 billion years ago and brought to the surface by volcanic eruption. After the magma cooled, it solidified into kimberlite, where the precious rough diamond is still found today.

In diamond, each carbon atom is bonded to four other carbon atoms in a tetrahedral structure, like a pyramid. Each link or bond is the same length, and the tetrahedral formation is therefore completely regular. It is the strength and regularity of this bonding which makes diamond very hard, non-volatile and resistant to chemical attack. Theoretically a perfect diamond crystal could be composed of one giant molecule of carbon.

Carbon is a non-metallic element with the atomic number of 6, and an atomic Weight of 12. In combination with oxygen and hydrogen it is contained by all living objects. In the form of graphite it appears black or dark gray, opaque, and is very soft, whereas in the form of diamond is it clear, colourless, and extremely hard. Diamond is highest on the scale of hardness (rated 10 on the Mohs scale) and is the hardest known naturally occurring substance.

Diamonds have since early man been a fascination. The Romans thought diamonds were splinters from falling stars while the Greeks regarded the sparkling gems as tears of the gods. It is a derivation of the Greek word "adamas," meaning unconquerable, that gave the diamond its name.