| nd is a crystalline form of carbon. A diamonds | | | | times the amount of natural diamonds are |
| hardness and high dispersion of light makes it | | | | produced syntheticly each year. These synthetic |
| particular useful for industrial applications and in | | | | diamonds are typically classified with poor-quality |
| jewelery. Diamonds are specifically renowned as a | | | | specimens and as a result are suitable only for |
| mineral with superlative physical qualities. Thus | | | | industrial-grade use. |
| making them great abrasives because they can | | | | The majority of natural diamonds come from |
| only be scratched by other diamonds. This | | | | central and southern Africa. On the other wise of |
| feature also means they hold a polish extremely | | | | that though, significant sources of the mineral |
| well and retain luster. Approximately 120 million | | | | have been discovered in Russia, Canada, Brazil, |
| carats, 25 000 kilograms of diamond are mined | | | | and Australia. Generally, diamonds are mined from |
| annually. These diamonds have a with a total | | | | volcanic pipes. Volcanic pipes are deep in the Earth |
| value of nearly nine billion united states dollars. | | | | where the high pressure and temperature enables |
| "diamond", the name, comes from an ancient | | | | the formation of the crystals. Subject to frequent |
| Greek word that means "impossible to tame". | | | | controversy, the mining and distribution of natural |
| Treasured as a gem ever since their use as | | | | diamonds, has raised large concerns over the sale |
| religious icons in India almost 2,500 years ago. | | | | by African paramilitary groups. |
| "Diamond's are a girl's best friend". They have | | | | As previosuly mentioned, humans have been able |
| been widely used in drill bits and engraving tools | | | | to adapt diamonds for many uses because of |
| dating back to early human history for their | | | | their extraordinary physical characteristics. The |
| physical properties. Due to improved cutting and | | | | most recognized of all these properties, is a |
| polishing techniques the popularity of diamonds has | | | | diamond's extreme hardness. |
| gone up since the early 19th century. Almost 4 | | | | |