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Diamonds
Diamonds
have always exercised a special magnetism on the human race, the
female of the species in particular. Their story, which I would
describe as both romantic and social, is known the world over. Hardly
surprising then that the diamond is the most popular gemstone of all.
Its chemical composition is simple: pure crystallized carbon
referable to the cubic order of crystallography. It is formed in
volcanic craters and dispersed by volcanic eruption or flooding.
There are two main varieties of diamond: mis-shapen crystals which
have certain industrial applications and gem diamonds used in jewelry
making.
Diamonds for industrial applications are coloured, opaque or impure.
They are widely employed for drilling tools and precision instruments.
Gem diamonds are pure and colourless, though the rare coloured
transparent specimens are highly valued by the experts.
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Name |
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| Diamond |
10 |
3.47-3.55 |
Isometric |
Perfect |
2.417-2419 |
None |
0.044 |
None |
Variable |
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