ASS #5 - Diamond Crystal Structure and Atomic Theory

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson
Download our mobile app to listen on the go
Get App

Questions and Answers

What defines the chemical nature of an atom?

  • The total number of neutrons in the nucleus
  • The total number of all subatomic particles
  • The number of protons in the nucleus
  • The number of electrons in its outer shell (correct)

Which of the following statements about the diamond unit cell is true?

  • The core of diamond's unit cell is formed from multiple layers of tetrahedrons
  • The unit cell sets the standard for repeated patterns in the crystal (correct)
  • A unit cell contains only one type of atom
  • A unit cell can exist independently of other cells

What shape does diamond most commonly exhibit in its crystal habit?

  • Hexagonal prism
  • Octahedron (correct)
  • Dodecahedron
  • Cube

What type of bond is primarily responsible for the strength of diamond?

<p>Covalent bond (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the atomic arrangement in diamond as formed by its carbon atoms?

<p>Tetrahedrons connected by shared electrons (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of diamond allows it to have a unique crystal structure?

<p>Extreme pressure during formation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these describes the term 'crystal habit'?

<p>The external shape of the crystal formed by unit cells (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is incorrect regarding the formation of crystals?

<p>Crystals always have an organic origin (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common habit of gem-quality diamonds?

<p>Octahedron (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of twinned crystals?

<p>They form when growth is interrupted and resumes in a different direction. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of diamond aggregate is commonly used as an industrial abrasive?

<p>Carbonado (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes gem-quality diamond rough from industrial-quality diamond rough?

<p>Gem-quality diamonds have a more uniform shape. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the process called when the outer surface of a diamond is partially dissolved?

<p>Resorption (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the common appearance of a macle diamond?

<p>Flattened triangle (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can strain in rough diamonds be identified?

<p>Through the use of magnification and cross-polarized filters (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to diamonds during the resorption process?

<p>Their outer surface becomes smooth and rounded. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes diamond octahedrons?

<p>They are shaped with sharp, square edges. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the crystal structure of diamond affect its density compared to graphite?

<p>Diamond has a higher density because of a closer arrangement of carbon atoms. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines cleavage planes in crystals?

<p>They are surfaces where a mineral tends to break due to atomic weaknesses. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of cubic crystals regarding light behavior?

<p>They are described as singly refractive or isotropic. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are point, line, and volume categorized as in diamond structures?

<p>Categories of lattice defects. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What typically causes defects in diamond crystals?

<p>Environmental changes and impurities. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What feature is NOT a characteristic of gemologists classifying crystals?

<p>The color of the crystal. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which crystal shape is NOT part of the cubic system?

<p>Hexagonal prism (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is specific gravity (SG) in relation to diamonds?

<p>The relationship between weight and volume of a substance. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the smooth, flat breaks in crystals that occur along planes of weakness?

<p>Cleavage planes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic describes how light behaves in cubic crystals?

<p>Light behaves the same regardless of direction. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of defect in diamonds involves a deviation from the ideal structure?

<p>Lattice defect (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'octahedron' refer to in the context of diamond crystal shapes?

<p>A shape with eight triangular faces. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How much heavier is a diamond compared to graphite of the same size?

<p>Approximately 1.6 times as much. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What classification do gemologists use for categorizing crystals based on their geometric properties?

<p>Crystal systems (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of simulants compared to diamonds?

<p>Simulants tend to have higher specific gravity than diamonds. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure formed by carbon atoms in diamond?

<p>Tetrahedral arrangement (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of bond in diamond contributes to its exceptional hardness?

<p>Covalent bonds (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the unit cell's role in crystal structure?

<p>To serve as a template for repeated patterns (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do crystal shapes provide insight into atomic structures?

<p>By reflecting the arrangement of atoms within the crystal (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What geometric form does diamond predominantly exhibit in its crystal habit?

<p>Octahedron (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of crystals can diamonds form when subjected to high pressure?

<p>Cubic crystals (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines the characteristic crystal habit of diamonds?

<p>The arrangement of the unit cells (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is typical of the carbon atom's arrangement in diamond?

<p>Grouped tetrahedrons (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is typically indicated by the presence of strain in rough diamonds?

<p>They might be more vulnerable during cutting. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines a macle diamond?

<p>It appears as a flattened triangle with surface graining. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common challenge faced by cutters when dealing with twinned diamond crystals?

<p>The sawing and polishing directions are inconsistent. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are dodecahedron crystals well-suited for being fashioned into round brilliants?

<p>Their structure allows for optimal light reflection. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can the presence of aggregates in diamonds be described?

<p>They are solid masses of randomly oriented crystals. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinguishing factor for identifying gem-quality diamond rough?

<p>More uniform shape and higher transparency (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the characteristics of industrial-quality diamond rough?

<p>It typically lacks transparency and uniform shape. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of the formation of resorbed diamond crystals?

<p>The outer surface is partially dissolved during transport. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is another name for the cubic system?

<p>octahedron and dodecahedron (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Dodecahedron crystals

A type of diamond crystal shape.Common in some diamond deposits.

Octahedron crystals

The most common shape of gem-quality diamonds, but rarely found perfectly formed.

Resorption

The partial dissolving of a diamond's outer surface during transport.

Twinned crystals

Diamond crystals formed from two or more parts growing symmetrically together.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Macle

A common type of twinned diamond crystal, often shaped like a flattened triangle.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Aggregates

Solid masses of individual, randomly oriented diamond crystals.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Industrial-quality diamond

Diamond rough that lacks transparency and uniform shape; often used for industry.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Gem-quality diamond

Diamond rough that has a more uniform shape, suitable for jewelry.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Crystal

A symmetrical mineral specimen, often formed from repeating units of atoms.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Covalent Bond

A strong bond formed when atoms share electrons.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Atom

The basic building block of matter, composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Unit Cell

The smallest repeating group of atoms within a crystal, defining its structure.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Diamond Structure

A strong, interlocking atomic structure of carbon atoms connected in tetrahedral groups, bonded covalently.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Tetrahedron

A pyramid-shaped group of four atoms, central to diamond's structure.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Crystal Habit

The characteristic shape of a crystal, reflecting its underlying atomic structure.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Diamond Unit Cell

The smallest unit containing the characteristic chemical composition and crystal structure of diamond's interlocking tetrahedral groups.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Crystal Structure

The internal arrangement of repeated patterns of atoms in a crystal.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Specific Gravity (SG)

The relationship between a substance's weight and volume.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cleavage Planes

Planar surfaces in a mineral that are weak atomic bonds, giving it a tendency to break along these surfaces.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Diamond Lattice Defect

An imperfection or deviation from a perfect crystal lattice in a diamond.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cubic Crystal System

A crystal system where the three axes are perpendicular to each other.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Isotropic

Having the same physical or optical properties in all directions. (in cubic crystals).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Crystal System

Categories of crystals based on their shape and symmetry.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Diamond vs. Graphite (Density)

Diamond is denser than graphite due to a tighter arrangement of carbon atoms.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Diamond Octahedron

A well-shaped, transparent diamond crystal with eight faces and sharp, square edges.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Crystal Lattice

The repeating pattern of atoms inside a crystal.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Density of Diamond

Diamond is denser than graphite because its carbon atoms are packed more tightly.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Resorption in Diamonds

The process where a diamond's outer surface partially dissolves during transport, resulting in smooth, rounded shapes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Twinned Diamond Crystals

Diamonds formed from two or more parts growing together in a symmetrical way, caused by interrupted growth.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Diamond Aggregates

Solid masses of individual, randomly oriented diamond crystals, joined together or cemented by a natural binder.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Strain in Diamonds

Internal stress within a rough diamond, affecting its strength and cutting difficulty, visible under magnification.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cuttable vs. Non-Cuttable Diamonds

Sorting diamonds into gem-quality (cuttable for jewelry) and industrial-quality (often lacking transparency and uniformity).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Industrial Diamond

Diamond rough lacking transparency and uniformity, used for tools or abrasives, often colored or colorless, may be cube-shaped.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is a crystal?

A solid material with a symmetrical structure, formed by repeating units of atoms. Crystals can be organic or inorganic.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Why is diamond so hard?

Diamond is incredibly hard because its carbon atoms are tightly bonded together in a strong, interlocking structure. This structure is formed by covalent bonds, where atoms share electrons.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is a unit cell?

The smallest group of atoms that represents the basic structure and chemical composition of a crystal. It is the repeating unit that builds the entire crystal.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What's the core of a diamond's unit cell?

It's formed by four tetrahedrons, each with a carbon atom at the center and four surrounding carbon atoms. These tetrahedrons are interconnected by strong covalent bonds.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What determines a crystal's shape?

The shape of a crystal, known as its habit, is determined by the arrangement of atoms within its unit cell.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is a covalent bond?

A strong chemical bond where two atoms share electrons. This sharing creates a strong connection between the atoms.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is diamond's most common shape?

Diamond's most common habit is the octahedron – a shape with eight equal triangular faces.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Why are diamond atoms so close?

Diamond atoms are closer together than any other natural material because of their strong covalent bonds and immense pressure during formation.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Diamond Crystal Structure

  • Diamond crystals were described as symmetrical mineral specimens in the 17th century.
  • Crystals can be organic or inorganic and are found in plants, animals, as well as rocks and in labs.
  • All solids are crystalline

Atomic Structure

  • Atoms contain subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons.
  • Protons and neutrons form the nucleus at the atom's center. Electrons orbit the nucleus.
  • The number of electrons in an atom's outermost shell determines its chemical properties.
  • Carbon atoms in diamond share electrons with four neighboring atoms forming covalent bonds.
  • Covalent bonds are the strongest type of bond.
  • Carbon atoms are arranged in groups of five, with one central atom and four surrounding ones
  • This pattern is known as a tetrahedron.

Diamond Unit Cell

  • A unit cell is the smallest repeating unit in a crystal.
  • Diamond's unit cell is made of four tetrahedrons connected by strong covalent bonds.
  • Diamond's atoms are tightly packed compared to other materials.
  • This tight packing results in a high density compared to graphite.

Crystal Shape

  • Diamond's most common crystal shape is the octahedron (eight equal triangular faces).
  • Some diamonds display a perfect, octahedral shape.
  • The internal arrangement of atoms gives rise to different crystal shapes.
  • Crystal structure influences a crystal's density and specific gravity (SG).
  • Diamond has a higher SG than most other gemstones.

Cleavage Planes

  • Cleavage planes are directions in a crystal where it tends to break easily, due to atomic weakness.
  • Diamonds have cleavage planes that are parallel to certain shapes.
  • Cleavage planes exhibit smooth, flat breaking along the crystal.
  • Cleavage can be a useful property for recognizing and classifying crystals.

Crystal Defects

  • Imperfections in the crystal structure are called defects.
  • Point defects: Missing or misplaced atoms.
  • Line defects (dislocations): Imperfections in alignment.
  • Volume defects: Inclusion of foreign materials or voids.
  • Nitrogen and boron are common trace elements causing defects in diamond.

Diamond Classification

  • Diamond types are classified based on the presence and arrangement of impurities like nitrogen and boron.
  • Type 1 diamonds contain nitrogen impurities.
  • Type 2 diamonds have either no or minimal impurities, including Type IIa and IIb.
  • Type IIa diamonds are exceptionally pure and usually colorless.
  • Type IIb diamonds are rare, containing boron impurities.

Diamond Cut Potential

  • Diamond planes are internally arranged in a cubic, octahedral and dodecahedral pattern.
  • Cutters consider the marketability and weight retention when determining the rough diamond cutting shape.
  • A makeable rough diamond can be polished without cutting , sawing or splitting.
  • A sawable diamond can be cut into more valuable smaller pieces
  • A splittable diamond can be lasered or cleaved to form smaller, valuable segments
  • A flat diamond shape, restricts potential size and value

Diamond Value

  • Diamond shape is a major factor affecting value in the finished gem.
  • Cutters must consider weight retention and marketability when deciding on a cut's proportions.
  • Various factors (e.g., shape, clarity, and color) affect a diamond's value.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Ass #5 - Diamond Crystal PDF
ASS #5: The Diamond Crystal PDF

More Like This

Atomic Structure of Diamond Quiz
44 questions
Carbon Allotropes and Properties Quiz
48 questions
Elements and Their Purity Quiz
8 questions

Elements and Their Purity Quiz

PainlessMoldavite1807 avatar
PainlessMoldavite1807
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser