How are diamonds formed
Comparing the properties of diamonds and graphite provides clues as to where
diamonds originate. Graphite forms close to the surface of the earth. The fact
that diamond’s crystalline structure is more compact than that of graphite
implies that they form in deeper environments where pressure and temperature is
higher.
Diamonds
& Graphite
by boredumb February 18th, 2008 found at informativepost.com
Diamonds are just made of Carbon and on Earth are formed under high pressure
and very high temperatures.
Production of synthetic diamonds has
aided geologists in determining the origin of the diamond. An experiment was
done to prove the hypothesis that diamonds must have been formed in much deeper
environments than graphite. As these synthetic diamonds were being produced,
they were subjected to high pressure and temperature. The result was as follows:
In the production of diamond and graphite, pressure conditions must increase
along with the increase of temperature. The difference between the two is that
lower temperatures are more conducive for the formation of the diamond and
higher temperatures are more conducive for the formation of graphite.
In truth, diamonds could actually be converted to graphite. If diamonds are
subjected to heat where oxygen is not present, it will eventually convert into
graphite. Such conditions only occur in a vacuum or in a lifeless atmosphere.
Depending on the quality of diamond, this process of conversion should take
place between 1073º - 1973º Kelvin. The process initially takes place at a
slow course when only a thin layer of the diamond is affected. After this
initial process, rapid conversion to graphite takes place and the whole diamond
eventually become graphite in powdered form. This comes about at around 1973º
Kelvin.
Graphite is known as the stable form of crystalline carbon and, conversely,
diamond is the unstable form. Diamond’s instability is revealed in normal
temperatures and pressure conditions. Thus, given the temperature of 1973º
Kelvin, the rate of transition of diamond to graphite is quick. At room
temperature, however, this process is not possible.
Furthermore, knowing the properties of both minerals,
it should also be possible for graphite to be converted to diamonds. Graphite
has a hexagonal internal structure with carbon found in flat hexagonal rings in
sheets, with loose bonds between the sheets. On the other hand, diamond has a
three-dimensional structure with no loose bonds. Therefore, in theory, creating
a condition wherein the hexagonal rings of its carbon atoms take the arrangement
like that of diamonds would create diamonds out of graphite since the internal
structure is the only difference between the two. To make this possible,
graphite has to be compressed for the rings of its carbon atoms to take the form
of the three-dimensional atomic
structure of diamonds. For the atoms to retain its new atomic
structure even after the release of compressional pressure, it has to be
subjected to high temperatures. After this, graphite should have turned into
diamond. However, this is merely stated in theory. Performing it is not as
simple as it is written.
Meaning of the Diamond Word
The name diamond derives from the ancient Greek adamas meaning
“invincible”.
The ancient Greeks and Romans believed diamonds were tears of the Gods and
splinters from falling stars. In ancient India, Hindus, finding diamonds washed
out of the ground after thunderstorms, believed they were created by bolts of
lightning and attributed so much power to these stones they went so far as to
place diamonds in the eyes of some of their statues.
In the middle Ages and Renaissance period, every ring set with a precious
stone was considered an amulet that conveyed magical powers like fearlessness
and invincibility upon the wearer.
An act of Louis IX of France that established a law reserving diamonds for
the king, bespeaks of the rarity of diamonds and the value conferred on them at
that time. Within 100 years diamonds appeared in royal jewelry of both men and
women, then among the greater European aristocracy as symbols of power.
Over the last few century, the diamond acquired its unique status as the
ultimate gift of love . It wasn’t until 1477 when Archduke Maximillian of
Austria gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy, that the diamond engagement
ring was introduced.
related articles : Lab diamonds | synthetic diamonds characteristics
how are diamonds formed Diamonds
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