What is a Diamond?A diamond is one of the 4 forms of carbon that can be found in nature. It received its name from Greek word ‘Adamas’ which means unbeatable. It’s the hardest natural mineral known on earth and has therefore a hardness of 10 on Moh’s scale of mineral hardness. It is formed when extreme heat (temperatures of 2200 degrees Fahrenheit) and extreme pressure cause carbon atoms to crystallize forming the precious stone approximately ninety miles under the earth's surface. They reach the surface of the earth via volcanic pipes, or channels or via placer, alluvial deposits. “Pressure makes diamonds." General George S. Patton 
This precious stone is made out of Carbon. Carbon, which is burned wood, becomes graphite under a lot of pressure (already relatively hard). Graphite on its turn under a lot of pressure will eventually become – after a few million years – a precious stone.“You can find a diamond in the rough a lot of times." Kenneth Edmonds The strength of the precious stone comes from the way its atoms have been built up. Each CO atom in an allotrope is links with 3 others and the connection lengths and corners are always equal. This is the tetrahedral structure which is also the most symmetric and strong. “Diamonds are nothing more than chunks of coal that stuck to their jobs.” Malcolm S. Forbes The more harmonious the single stage crystal growth was, the fewer flaws it will show and the stronger it will be. The graphite structure on the other hand is hexagonal. It consists out of different layers that do not stick together very well. That are why it’s useable for writing. The middle of a pencil is graphite. The graphite will glue itself to the paper with a bit of pressure. The hardness of the stone suits to the usability as a gemstone. Due to the fact that only another diamonds can scratch a diamond, it polishes extremely well. Unlike other stones it is easy to use on daily basis because of its resistance to damage. That also explains its popularity in wedding and engagement rings which are often worn every day. Cool Facts: They are called "ice" because they rob the body of warmth when touched. Other Synonyms: allotrope, bort, brilliant, corundum, gem, gemstone, ice, jager, jewel, lozenge, paragon, rhinestone, rhombus, rock, solitaire, zircon. To find out more about the history of a girl’s best friend visit Antwerp Diamond Museum which has an interactive displays showcase mining and cutting processes, and polishing demonstrations take place Saturday afternoons. You can view items dating from the 16th century to the present. If you want to see polishers at work go to: Krochmal & Lieber workshops
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