Everything you wanted to know about diamonds.

Being the hardest natural element known on Earth, diamonds are good for a wide variety of uses. However, although they can be used to conduct heat, they are not very good as a conductor of electricity. There are some rare forms though, known as type IIB that can be used as semiconductors.

Diamonds are formed from carbon that is held deep in the Earth under great pressure and heat. The altered carbon is then forced up to the surface from the mantle in a uniqe form of magma called kimberlite which erupts from diatreme and pipe volcanic vents.

Due to the tightly compacted atoms and electrons in the composition of a diamond, it has the ability to reduce the velocity of light that passes through it. This is what gives a diamond its unique lustre.

It was not until almost 300 years ago that it was discovered that diamonds are a form of carbon. Over 150 years later, a method of being able to produce a synthetic diamond was finally discovered.

As there is nothing tougher than a diamond, it is the only thing that can be used to cut another diamond. Because of this, it is used heavily in the industrial sector for cutting, polishing, grinding and drilling. The majority of industrial rock drills have diamond tips. Diamonds are no longer just used in the industrial sector since they are now becoming a more popular material used in home electronics, appliances, and automobiles.

Diamonds are also one of the most popular stones used in jewellery. Jewellery made from diamond is deemed to be classic jewellery and is used from weddings, engagements, anniversaries, right down to celebrity award ceremonies.

Since gold needs to be of a certain hardness to set diamonds into, diamond jewellery is generally made from 18 carat gold.

Diamonds have been recognised as a symbol of love, joy and romance since the 15th Century. This all came from a romantic gesture by Archduke Maximilian of Austria giving Mary of Burgundy a diamond ring on their engagement. Since this time, all forms of diamond jewellery have been deemed to show everlasting love and affection. Diamonds are also used to portray great wealth, status and success and are worn to show this.

Carat is the size or weight measurement of the diamond and unlike gold is not simply so much per carat. Diamond prices vary considerably according to the 3 Cs. These are color, clarity and cut.

Diamonds often contain other elements that can affect the color and those that are colorless are more valued than those that have color. Although how a diamond is cut is the only human contribution to a diamond's beauty it is one of the most important as it is responsible for its brilliance. Cutting colored diamonds is different from clear ones, because the ultimate goal is maximizing the color. Cutting can be performed with deep, shallow or with perfect length.

Since a diamond displays what is called an 'adamantine' lustre it cannot be continually polished as it will cause it to lose its properties.

Article Source: http://publisherscloninghouse.com

Check out our website to learn more about buying diamond jewellery, and for additional details on how you can cheaply start your own diamond selling business.
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