Diamonds are indeed the hardest gemstone on our planet. Diamonds are used for the delicate drills used by dentists and used to cut other materials such as steel, iron, gold, titanium, sapphires, and emeralds. Because diamonds are the hardest substance on earth, the only thing that can cut one is in fact - another diamond!
Ancient Greeks called diamonds adamas, meaning “unconquerables.” Our word adamant derives from this word, and the fictional alloy adamantium, draws on the same idea of hardness and invincibility. Greek mythology and writings tell us that Greek gods wore and used diamonds in their most precious or strong accoutrements. Chronos’ sword, Heracles’ helmet, and Prometheus’ ever-binding chains were all eternally strong because of their diamond composition.
Today, diamonds continue to be the most popular engagement ring adornment. As many couples choose alternative wedding styles or engagements, diamond rings persist as the single symbol of endless love.
Diamonds break easily!
While it’s true that diamonds are the hardest substance on earth, it is also true that once a diamond has been cut it can become chipped or broken. The thin edge of the cut diamond gemstone can easily crack when pressure is applied or if it is hit or bumped against another surface. Diamonds are protected by the settings that the diamond rests in on your jewelry.
Diamonds can cut glass
Diamond not impure diamond, is used for cutting purpose because a Diamond is made from compressed carbon it makes it the hardest substance in the world. It cannot be broken, scratched or shattered and can cut anything.
Because diamonds are harder than glass, they can definitely cut glass. However, please don’t attempt to cut a hole in a glass window with your brand new diamond engagement ring. Diamonds may be hard, but they are also fragile and can chip if used incorrectly.
Diamonds score a 10 (the highest) on the Moh’s scale of hardness, while the glass is a 6 – 7 on the same scale. As is the law of nature – the stronger substance always wins. Literally, anything that is higher up the Moh’s scale of hardness (for example – white sapphire) can cut glass. That’s a lot of things that can cut glass.
Diamonds are hardest in nature
Diamonds are the hardest material found on earth. They resist scratching better than anything else. Other than that, they hold no unique distinctions. All gem-quality materials are rare. They compose just a tiny fraction of the Earth. However, diamonds actually number among the most common gems. Ask yourself this: “How many people do you know who own at least one diamond?” Now, ask this question about other gems, like rubies, sapphires, or emeralds.
While we have much to learn about the Earth’s interior, our current knowledge of gem formation indicates that diamonds are likely the most common gem in nature.
Diamonds are the most valuable Gem
Outside the confines of the Earth, diamonds are still common. A recent discovery indicates that some stars collapse on themselves, creating giant diamond crystals. In the constellation Centaurus, there lies a white dwarf that is crystallized into a diamond for about 2,500 miles in diameter and weighing 10 billion, trillion, trillion carats.
You can’t judge one gem species as the most valuable. To compare gem value, you have to evaluate gems according to size and quality. The table below shows values for top quality gems of different sizes. However, please note that pure red rubies are so rare there is no trade data available. The ruby prices listed are for Burmese rubies.
All Diamonds are white!
While you may believe diamonds are sparkling white, this is not the case for all diamonds! There are yellow diamonds, pink diamonds, and more based on the locations and substances in the earth where the diamonds have formed. White or clear diamonds are the most popular, but diamonds come in a variety of shades and colors.
A Person can make a lot of Money Selling Diamonds
Due to the proliferation of the Internet and the establishment of well-accepted diamond grading standards, margins on cut diamonds have become extremely thin. Not infrequently, diamond dealers make gross margins inside of 5%. Compare that to virtually any other industry. You won’t think selling diamonds makes a great business opportunity anymore.
The Reflection of Evil
Ancient Indians used diamonds as a defense mechanism. The sparkle of the diamond would simply reflect evil. The saying goes that “he who wears a diamond will see danger turn away”. Just like the ancient Romans and Greeks, the Indians saw diamonds a symbol of clarity and invincibility. They would attract lightning bolts that would overflow the wearer with divine strength.
Everything that shines is not a diamond
Though there is a stark difference between diamonds and American diamonds, consumers are often misled into believing consumers that they are buying a real diamond and not zircon, which is American diamond. Saurabh suggests consumers to be cautious of what they are buying.
Bigger the diamond, bigger the cost
Well, size does not matter when it comes to diamonds. According to Saurabh, "Bigger the diamond, bigger the cost is also a myth. Small diamonds require more effort in fitting and cutting. The labour that goes into small diamonds is far greater than that in big-sized diamonds. In most cases, it makes small diamonds more expensive than big diamonds."
The Healing Agent
In the Middle Ages (between the 5th and 15th century), diamonds were thought to have exceptional healing abilities and considered to be a “miracle stone”. They were believed to have the ability to cure stomachaches, memory loss, depression, fatigue, infections, mental illnesses, nightmares, skin diseases and other head and heart ailments. It was believed that a diamond could cure simply by being placed on a part of the body. It wasn’t until the Renaissance when Pope Clement VII swallowed a medicine based on powdered diamond and died, it was understood that eating powered diamond killed more people than it cured.
CONCLUSION
Due to the proliferation of the Internet and the establishment of well-accepted diamond grading standards, margins on cut diamonds have become extremely thin. Not infrequently, diamond dealers make gross margins inside of 5%. Compare that to virtually any other industry. You won’t think selling diamonds makes a great business opportunity anymore.
Diamonds are the hardest natural stone on earth that are formed naturally from extreme temperatures and pressure beneath the Earth’s crust. Rough diamonds are brought to the Earth’s surface through volcanic activity. Natural diamonds are sourced from all around the world with the majority of supply coming from South Africa, Russia, and Canada.
These are known for their extreme hardness, unmatched brilliance, and rich sentimental value. They are made of nearly 100% carbon atoms and are so durable that the only other mineral that can scratch a diamond’s surface is another diamond.
Diamonds are nearly as old as the earth and take billions of years to form deep in the pit of the earth. Very few diamonds survive the trip from the depths of the earth to the crust where they can be mined. No two diamonds are the same and carry their own unique properties such as internal inclusions