Diamond is a stable allotrope of carbon. Allotropy is chemically the ability of an element to exist in more than one form in the same physical state. The second allotrope of the same element is graphite. The characteristic different in the two allotropes is in their chemical bonding, where both are covalently bonded but their atomic combinations is different. In diamond, every single carbon atom is covalently bonded to 4 other carbon atoms, hence utilizing all delocalized electrons in carbon. Commercial properties of diamond including poor electrical conductivity are as a result of this chemical composition.
Chemical facts – physical properties of diamond
Physically, diamond is a shiny solid, crystalline in nature. It’s colorless and transparent. One of the best known qualities of diamond is its hardness. Mineral experts have argued that it is the hardest mineral in existence. The hardness of diamond is attributed to its intrinsic chemical composition (Thomas, 1991). Chemically, carbon, with an electronic configuration of 2, 4 require 4 electrons in its outermost energy level to attain stability. In diamond, this is achieved through covalent bonding where each atom combines covalently with 4 others. This implies that the 4 outermost electrons are effectively used up in bonding. The resulting structure from this combination is an octahedral structure that extends in all directions. The covalent bonds are very strong making it very hard to break it. The melting point is considerably high, estimated at 37000c.
Another common property is its poor electrical conductivity. This comes as a result of lack of delocalized electrons in its bonded structure. Recent developments have seen diamond being used as an insulator where it’s first doped with boron, an element that creates gaps within the octahedral structure making it possible to conduct. The Boron impurity also makes the diamond appear blue in color. The physical appearance of diamond is primarily clear colorless (Thomas, 1991). This is because it has a band gap of approximately 5.5eV. This band gap chemically corresponds to an ultraviolet radiation wavelength of approximately 225 nm. Other colors associated with diamond, principally originates from impurities and lattice defects. Using technology the impurities are introduced in diamond in a process referred to as chemical growth in diamond. The dominant impurity in diamond is Nitrogen which makes the diamond appear yellow or brown. Boron impurities make the diamond appear gray bluish. Other colors such as red and green are achieved through plastic deformation which involves the physical deformation/ disorganization of the diamond crystal.
Identification of Diamond
The principal identification method is based on the hardness and their high thermal conductivity (Boser, 2008). The material also has a high thermal conductivity, though this cannot be relied upon because other materials also exhibit a similar r property. In the Mohs scale, diamond follows quartz on the ability to cut glass so the ability to cut glass is not a conclusive test. Another test is the ability of diamond to scratch other diamonds though this normally results in the destruction of both pieces (Thomas, 1991). In the laboratory, special techniques such as spectroscopy, luminescence and microscopy are normally applied. In luminescence, the diamond is normally illuminated using shortwave ultraviolet radiations. Special machines are also used in identification. Diamond sure and Diamond view are specially made machines developed to test the authenticity of marketed diamond.
Natural Formation of Diamond
Naturally, diamond is crystallized from fluids containing high carbon content. This crystallization, achieved industrially is achieved using considerable amounts of heat and pressure. Heat needed is approximately 20000 F and 50000 pa of pressure. These kinds of pressure and temperatures are only found occurring at surfaces deep below the sea level. It is the belief of most scientists that diamonds form in depths well below 150 km below the earth’s surface (Hesse, 2007). The quantities of diamond enough to satisfy the industrial and commercial purposes are found in some geologically rich places scattered in some parts of the Earth’s continent. Most continents are formed of cratons which consists are the primary content of the earth’s crust formed approximately more than 2 billion years ago. Scientific dating has established that some diamonds could have formed more than 3 billion years ago. The current deposits of diamond are estimated to originate from volcanic rocks which are believed to have been deposited in strategic places through massive volcanic activities (Hesse, 2007). Deposit of diamonds available today is results of alluvial deposits which have resulted through weathering and movement by water. Strong winds and glacial movement have in the past contributed to transportation of diamond across different geographical positions in the Earth. Tectonic movements have also been credited with moving diamond deposits from great depths. Such kinds of deposits have been found in laces such as Kazakhstan. Diamonds found in this manner are generally of poor quality due to the intensive processes it has gone through which it is passed (Thomas, 1991). Meteorites have also been credited to formation of small deposits of diamond. The quality of these diamonds is generally of lower density. Some diamonds are estimated to form from extra terrestrial formations. There is possibility that most of the diamond in Africa and some parts of North America were formed in such processes.
Cutting of Diamond
For industrial and synthetic uses, diamond is passed through several processes. Natural diamond is normally rough. Due to its hardness, a lot of heat energy is needed to enable cutting. The cutting process includes laser cutting, sawing, cleaving and the final process of polishing. When cutting, the intention is to enhance the quality of diamond without losing a lot of quantity. About half of diamonds quantity is normally lost during cutting. The first step involves examination of the stone t determine the points of crystal weakness(Thomas, 1991). The cutter determines the planes that can easily be cut via sawing and cleavage. Present day cutters normally utilize the laser beam in achieving cleavage rather than traditional cleavage. The final process involves polishing the cut stone. The stone is considered polished when all of the facets are polished.
Judgment of Quality
When a diamond is used for jewellery, the properties that buyers should consider are clarity, color, carat weight and cut (Boser, 2008). Diamonds containing tainted colors of brown and yellow are considered of low value while special colored stones with tinges of green and orange, blue and red are considerably rare and hence of high value. Clarity is determined by presence of blemishes or not. Absence of blemishes ensures that the diamond cut is of great clarity. The carat weight is an attribute to the size of the diamond. The metric carat normally used for measuring diamond is approximately 0.2g. The cut quality reflects the quality of the processes of cleavage and polishing.
Uses of Diamond
Almost 80% of diamond normally contains impurities which lowers its color quality required in jewellery making. Most of it is used for manufacturing purposes. Since it is extremely hard, the metal is used in making hardy drill bits for cutting devices and in making surfaces that can withstand extreme shock (Thomas, 1991). Scientifically, it is used in photo detection and radiation and in experiments involving high pressures and temperatures.
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