Podcast
Questions and Answers
What defines the chemical nature of an atom?
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?
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?
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?
What type of bond is primarily responsible for the strength of diamond?
What is the atomic arrangement in diamond as formed by its carbon atoms?
What is the atomic arrangement in diamond as formed by its carbon atoms?
What characteristic of diamond allows it to have a unique crystal structure?
What characteristic of diamond allows it to have a unique crystal structure?
Which of these describes the term 'crystal habit'?
Which of these describes the term 'crystal habit'?
Which statement is incorrect regarding the formation of crystals?
Which statement is incorrect regarding the formation of crystals?
What is the most common habit of gem-quality diamonds?
What is the most common habit of gem-quality diamonds?
What is a primary characteristic of twinned crystals?
What is a primary characteristic of twinned crystals?
Which type of diamond aggregate is commonly used as an industrial abrasive?
Which type of diamond aggregate is commonly used as an industrial abrasive?
What distinguishes gem-quality diamond rough from industrial-quality diamond rough?
What distinguishes gem-quality diamond rough from industrial-quality diamond rough?
What is the process called when the outer surface of a diamond is partially dissolved?
What is the process called when the outer surface of a diamond is partially dissolved?
What is the common appearance of a macle diamond?
What is the common appearance of a macle diamond?
How can strain in rough diamonds be identified?
How can strain in rough diamonds be identified?
What happens to diamonds during the resorption process?
What happens to diamonds during the resorption process?
What characterizes diamond octahedrons?
What characterizes diamond octahedrons?
How does the crystal structure of diamond affect its density compared to graphite?
How does the crystal structure of diamond affect its density compared to graphite?
What defines cleavage planes in crystals?
What defines cleavage planes in crystals?
What is a characteristic of cubic crystals regarding light behavior?
What is a characteristic of cubic crystals regarding light behavior?
What are point, line, and volume categorized as in diamond structures?
What are point, line, and volume categorized as in diamond structures?
What typically causes defects in diamond crystals?
What typically causes defects in diamond crystals?
What feature is NOT a characteristic of gemologists classifying crystals?
What feature is NOT a characteristic of gemologists classifying crystals?
Which crystal shape is NOT part of the cubic system?
Which crystal shape is NOT part of the cubic system?
What is specific gravity (SG) in relation to diamonds?
What is specific gravity (SG) in relation to diamonds?
What term describes the smooth, flat breaks in crystals that occur along planes of weakness?
What term describes the smooth, flat breaks in crystals that occur along planes of weakness?
Which characteristic describes how light behaves in cubic crystals?
Which characteristic describes how light behaves in cubic crystals?
Which type of defect in diamonds involves a deviation from the ideal structure?
Which type of defect in diamonds involves a deviation from the ideal structure?
What does the term 'octahedron' refer to in the context of diamond crystal shapes?
What does the term 'octahedron' refer to in the context of diamond crystal shapes?
How much heavier is a diamond compared to graphite of the same size?
How much heavier is a diamond compared to graphite of the same size?
What classification do gemologists use for categorizing crystals based on their geometric properties?
What classification do gemologists use for categorizing crystals based on their geometric properties?
What is a common characteristic of simulants compared to diamonds?
What is a common characteristic of simulants compared to diamonds?
What is the structure formed by carbon atoms in diamond?
What is the structure formed by carbon atoms in diamond?
Which type of bond in diamond contributes to its exceptional hardness?
Which type of bond in diamond contributes to its exceptional hardness?
What is the unit cell's role in crystal structure?
What is the unit cell's role in crystal structure?
How do crystal shapes provide insight into atomic structures?
How do crystal shapes provide insight into atomic structures?
What geometric form does diamond predominantly exhibit in its crystal habit?
What geometric form does diamond predominantly exhibit in its crystal habit?
What type of crystals can diamonds form when subjected to high pressure?
What type of crystals can diamonds form when subjected to high pressure?
What defines the characteristic crystal habit of diamonds?
What defines the characteristic crystal habit of diamonds?
Which feature is typical of the carbon atom's arrangement in diamond?
Which feature is typical of the carbon atom's arrangement in diamond?
What is typically indicated by the presence of strain in rough diamonds?
What is typically indicated by the presence of strain in rough diamonds?
What defines a macle diamond?
What defines a macle diamond?
What is a common challenge faced by cutters when dealing with twinned diamond crystals?
What is a common challenge faced by cutters when dealing with twinned diamond crystals?
Why are dodecahedron crystals well-suited for being fashioned into round brilliants?
Why are dodecahedron crystals well-suited for being fashioned into round brilliants?
How can the presence of aggregates in diamonds be described?
How can the presence of aggregates in diamonds be described?
What is a distinguishing factor for identifying gem-quality diamond rough?
What is a distinguishing factor for identifying gem-quality diamond rough?
Which of the following statements best describes the characteristics of industrial-quality diamond rough?
Which of the following statements best describes the characteristics of industrial-quality diamond rough?
What is the primary cause of the formation of resorbed diamond crystals?
What is the primary cause of the formation of resorbed diamond crystals?
What is another name for the cubic system?
What is another name for the cubic system?
Flashcards
Dodecahedron crystals
Dodecahedron crystals
A type of diamond crystal shape.Common in some diamond deposits.
Octahedron crystals
Octahedron crystals
The most common shape of gem-quality diamonds, but rarely found perfectly formed.
Resorption
Resorption
The partial dissolving of a diamond's outer surface during transport.
Twinned crystals
Twinned crystals
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Macle
Macle
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Aggregates
Aggregates
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Industrial-quality diamond
Industrial-quality diamond
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Gem-quality diamond
Gem-quality diamond
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Crystal
Crystal
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Covalent Bond
Covalent Bond
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Atom
Atom
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Unit Cell
Unit Cell
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Diamond Structure
Diamond Structure
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Tetrahedron
Tetrahedron
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Crystal Habit
Crystal Habit
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Diamond Unit Cell
Diamond Unit Cell
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Crystal Structure
Crystal Structure
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Specific Gravity (SG)
Specific Gravity (SG)
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Cleavage Planes
Cleavage Planes
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Diamond Lattice Defect
Diamond Lattice Defect
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Cubic Crystal System
Cubic Crystal System
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Isotropic
Isotropic
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Crystal System
Crystal System
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Diamond vs. Graphite (Density)
Diamond vs. Graphite (Density)
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Diamond Octahedron
Diamond Octahedron
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Crystal Lattice
Crystal Lattice
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Density of Diamond
Density of Diamond
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Resorption in Diamonds
Resorption in Diamonds
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Twinned Diamond Crystals
Twinned Diamond Crystals
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Diamond Aggregates
Diamond Aggregates
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Strain in Diamonds
Strain in Diamonds
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Cuttable vs. Non-Cuttable Diamonds
Cuttable vs. Non-Cuttable Diamonds
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Industrial Diamond
Industrial Diamond
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What is a crystal?
What is a crystal?
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Why is diamond so hard?
Why is diamond so hard?
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What is a unit cell?
What is a unit cell?
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What's the core of a diamond's unit cell?
What's the core of a diamond's unit cell?
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What determines a crystal's shape?
What determines a crystal's shape?
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What is a covalent bond?
What is a covalent bond?
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What is diamond's most common shape?
What is diamond's most common shape?
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Why are diamond atoms so close?
Why are diamond atoms so close?
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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.
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