What Makes Diamond So Hard?

Diamonds are 58 times harder than the second hardest mineral on earth, Corundum, making them extremely strong. The minerals inside are packed tightly together, making diamonds almost impossible to break. Diamonds are the perfect way to elevate any jewellery piece, and they are especially great for everyday wear too due to their excellent durability and quality. So, what makes diamonds so hard? In today's blog, we will take a look into the science behind diamonds and why they are a great choice for jewellery.

How Hard Is a Diamond?

Diamonds can scratch other materials and can only be scratched by another diamond, meaning there is almost no chance of your diamond being damaged. Diamonds are ranked 10 on the MOHS scale as being the hardest mineral on Earth. The MOHS scale is a way to evaluate the hardness of certain materials and minerals. The MOHS scale begins with talc, which can be scratched quite easily, to diamonds ranking at number 10, which can only be scratched by other diamonds. Diamonds are very precious stones, mined from the Earth's crust before being used in jewellery and other practices. Diamonds are rare and are found very deep below the surface. They are brought closer to the Earth's crust by volcanic eruptions and shifts in the Earth's atmosphere, therefore, making them easier to mine.

What Makes Diamonds Hard?

Formed billions of years ago, diamonds are bound together by a rigid network of carbon atoms, held together by strong covalent bonds, making the mineral impossible to break. The carbon atoms in a diamond are packed very closely together. This dense atomic arrangement enhances the hardness by making it difficult for the layers of atoms to move or shift.

Why Is Diamond Great to Use?

Diamonds are great for everyday wear because they are durable. They can maintain their shine and polish even after years of everyday wear. This is why diamonds are so popular for engagement rings. Not only are they a statement of love, but they last longer than a lifetime. Diamonds are aesthetically pleasing. When cut right, diamonds sparkle, making them the perfect choice for a statement piece. They are also versatile, meaning they can be cut into various shapes and sizes, allowing jewellers to create unique designs. They work well in jewellery and can also be used in other ways such as:

Industrial Tools

Diamonds are used for cutting, filing and drilling tools. This is because diamonds can cut through materials like stone, concrete and even metal. The hardness of diamonds helps the tools stay sharp and effective over time.

Audio Equipment

Diamonds are also used in high-end audio equipment, like speaker parts and record player needles. This is because the hardness of diamonds helps with durability and improves the sound quality of the systems.

Wear-Resistant Coatings

Diamonds are used to coat tools and equipment to make them last longer. Coating equipment with diamonds will make equipment more resistant to wear and tear. The coatings are a mixture of diamond and other materials that will help make the equipment stronger.

Are Lab Grown Diamonds as Hard as Natural Diamonds?

Whilst lab-grown diamonds are almost identical to natural diamonds, the main difference is where they came from. A common question asked is whether lab-made diamonds also have the same strong covalent bonds as natural diamonds, and the answer is, yes. But how are lab-grown diamonds created? Let's take a look.

HPHT Method

The HPHT Method, which can also be referred to as High-Pressure High Temperature, is a technique that mimics the formation process of a natural diamond. The process starts with a small diamond seed being placed in a carbon-rich environment, with intense heat and pressure, this eventually causes the carbon atoms to crystallise around the diamond seed, forming a lab-grown diamond.

CVD Method

The CVD method, known as the Chemical Vapour Deposition method, causes a diamond to form by placing a diamond seed in a chamber filled with carbon gases. Eventually, the gases ionise into plasma, which causes carbon atoms to flood the seed, growing it layer by layer before it eventually becomes a diamond.

Lab Grown Diamond and Natural Diamond

On the MOHS scale, lab-grown diamonds are also ranked 10, meaning they are chemically the same as natural diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are grown using advanced technology in a lab setting.

Looking for New Diamonds? Miltons Diamonds Can Help

As spoken about in today's blog, diamonds are extremely hard and durable, making them a perfect addition to everyday jewellery. And here at Miltons Diamonds, we have a wide selection of diamond jewellery for you to choose from. Whether it be a pair of diamond earrings or a diamond necklace, at Miltons Diamonds, we can help you find exactly what you are looking for. Purchasing high-quality pieces of jewellery is the best way to grow your timeless collection. Your jewellery choices will last you a lifetime. If you like the sound of lab-grown diamonds, we also have a collection of lab-grown diamond jewellery. If you would like more information on lab-grown jewellery, please don't hesitate to reach out to one of our diamond specialists and trained staff who will be happy to talk to you about the benefits of lab-grown diamonds.