The Science of Diamond Durability: What Makes Them Truly Eternal?
At Laxmi Diamond, we believe that every diamond has a tale of brilliance and sophistication. Ever since our establishment in 1972 by Mr. Vasant Gajera, we've been dedicated to transforming nature's hardest material into symbols of love and commitment. From our modest start with four polishing wheels to becoming a global industry leader in diamond production, our story is a testament to our relentless pursuit of greatness.
But what gives diamonds such durability? This article sheds light on the scientific basis of diamond hardness, examining the atomic structure, formation mechanisms, and intrinsic properties that make them eternally resilient.
The Atomic Architecture of Diamonds
The core of the extraordinary hardness of a diamond is its exceptional atomic structure. Every carbon atom shares strong covalent bonds with four neighbouring carbon atoms in a tetrahedral arrangement that spreads uniformly in the crystal lattice. The resulting three-dimensional sp³ hybridized bond network forms a rigid, tightly packed arrangement, which is responsible for diamonds' extreme hardness and resistance to deformation.
Formation Under Extreme Conditions
Natural diamonds are created in the Earth's mantle, typically between 150 and 800 kilometres beneath the surface. There, the carbon atoms are subjected to very high pressures and temperatures, allowing them to be converted into the crystalline structure of diamonds. The process occurs over timescales of one to 3.5 billion years, which shows the enormously long timescales of diamond creation.
Hardness Versus Toughness
While diamonds are also known for being very hard, their resistance to being scratched, a property must be separated from the quality of being tough, where toughness means how well a material can endure being hit or cracked. Diamonds cleave perfectly on certain crystal planes or can split with a good amount of force when they are struck in these directions. As a result, despite the ultimate hardness, diamonds should still be carefully dealt with lest they be chipped or fractured.
Stability Over Geological Timeframes
Diamonds are metastable under the conditions at the Earth's surface, i.e., they are in a state other than the most stable form of carbon (graphite) but do not change over geological timescales because of a high-energy barrier to transformation. This metastability guarantees that diamonds will maintain their structure and properties for billions of years and is one of the reasons for their being viewed as gemstones that are forever.
Conclusion
The durability of diamonds is attributed to their intricate atomic arrangement and the extreme conditions under which they are created. Their exceptional hardness, combined with a level of brittleness, makes them subject to careful handling even though they are powerful. The geological process that forms diamonds, taking billions of years, only adds to their enchantment and worth.
Appreciation for these extraordinary gemstones is enhanced by an understanding of the science behind diamond durability, as well as highlighting the complex interaction between material properties and atomic architecture that underlies their enduring appeal.
We, at Laxmi Diamond, ensure that the beauty and brilliance of every diamond are brought to the maximum potential. Our wide range of over 40,000 certified diamonds, crafted to brilliance with a combination of traditional art techniques and cutting-edge modern technology, allows us to cater to the distinctive tastes of our customers. For more than 5 decades, this has established us as a trusted player in the global market.
Browse through our collection using our easy-to-use mobile app, making the transactions hassle-free. With state-of-the-art technologies such as TracR and Everledger, we trace every diamond's path from the mine to the market, giving you authenticated histories and assurance. Join us in the delight of celebrating the science and craftsmanship of diamond-making!
