Hardness

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Diamond is a perfect "10", defining the top of the hardness scale, and by absolute measures four times harder than sapphire (which is #9 on that scale).

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ABOUT DIAMONDS

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Diamonds have been a source of fascination for centuries. They are the hardest, the most imperishable, and the brilliant of all precious stones. The word "diamond" comes from the Greek word adamas, meaning "unconquerable". A diamond is a transparent gem made of carbon, one of the earth's most common elements. The formation of diamonds began very early in the earth's history, when the condensation of solid matter into a sphere caused the centre of the planet to become subjected to incredible extremes of temperatures and pressure. It was these conditions that caused deposits of carbon to begin to crystallise deep in the earth. As the earth's surface cooled, volcanic activity forced streams of magna (liquid rock) to the surface, carrying with it the diamond crystals. Later, the diamond-bearing rock h...
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Diamond Mining

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Diamonds are recovered by way of pipe or alluvial mining. Pipe Mining Pipe mining refers to the extraction of diamonds from volcanic pipes. Typically, a very large area has to be covered. An average of 250 tonnes of ore must be mined in order to produce a one-carat gem quality polished diamond. In most countries, a diamond pipe mine is composed of kimberlite, or blue ground. Initially kimberlite is dug from the surface of the pipes in rough opencast mining. Once the surface deposits have been exhausted, shafts are sunk into the ground at the edge of the pipes, and tunnels are driven into the deeper parts of the pipes. After the diamond-bearing rock is brought to the surface, it is then transported to a screening plant where the diamonds are separated from the host rock.
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Physical Properties

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Coming to its physical properties, it is known to be the hardest natural material to be found. It is known to have ‘four directions of cleavage’. If it is hit in any of these four directions, diamond will break easily. Its melting point is 3820K. Its density is measured as 10 in the Mohs hardness scale. It is also an excellent thermal conductor but is a poor conductor of electricity. It can be burnt if exposed to high temperature and oxygen together. It is marked with negative electron affinity due to which it resists water but easily accepts wax, grease and other hydrocarbons.
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