Diamond Education/History Part I
Diamonds are an allotrope of carbon. It is the hardest known material and the third-hardest known material after aggregated diamond nanorods and ultra hard fullerite. Diamonds hardness and high dispersion of light make it useful for industrial applications and jewelry.
Diamonds are specifically renowned as a material with superlative physical qualities, other diamonds can only scratch them and so that makes excellent abrasives.
The name Diamond comes from ancient Greek adamas (“invincible”). They have been treasured as gemstones since their use as religious icons in ancient India and usage in engraving tools also dates to early human history. Because of increased supply, popularity of diamonds has risen since 19th century.
About 49% of diamonds originate from central and southern Africa, although significant sources of the mineral have been discovered in Canada, India, Russia, Brazil, and Australia. They are mined from kimberlite and lamproite volcanic pipes, which brought to the surface the diamond crystals from deep in the Earth where the high pressure and temperature enables the formation of the crystals. The mining and distribution of natural diamonds are subjects of frequent controversy such as with concerns over the sale of conflict diamonds (aka blood diamonds) by African paramilitary groups.
