What is the crystal structure of diamond?
Diamond atoms arrange themselves into a crystal structure called diamond cubic. Each carbon atom bonds to four nearest neighbors, forming tetrahedra that are rigid and strong.
Questions about Diamond
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How deep do most natural diamonds form within Earth's mantle?
Most natural diamonds formed at depths between 150 and 250 kilometers within Earth's mantle. Some diamonds came from even deeper zones reaching 330 to 800 kilometers below the surface.
When did Antoine Lavoisier prove diamond is composed entirely of carbon?
French scientist Antoine Lavoisier concentrated sunlight rays on a diamond using a lens in 1772. He placed it in an oxygen atmosphere and observed only carbon dioxide produced.
Which country led global diamond production until the mid-18th century?
India led global production until the mid-18th century when Brazil discovered non-Indian sources in 1725. Significant alluvial deposits existed there many centuries before recorded history.
What percentage of mined diamonds serve industrial purposes annually?
Industrial-grade diamonds make up eighty percent of mined output annually. Nearly all five thousand million carats produced yearly serve industrial purposes.