Diamond

DIAMOND
** Diamonds are the hardest mineral there is. Not only are they harder than anything else, but the degree of hardness is greater between Diamond and Corundum (the next hardest mineral) than it is between Corundum and Talc (the softest mineral). Some Diamonds are harder than others. For example, Australian Diamonds can cut South African Diamonds. Even though Diamonds are the hardest substance known on earth, they are also very brittle, so they can shatter under a hard blow.** One of the things that makes Diamonds unique is that they are always found as crystals. There simply are no non-crystal diamond specimens. This is likely because they are so hard that they cannot be eroded like other minerals can.** Another unique feature about Diamonds is that they are the only gemstone that are made up on one single element. Diamonds are pure crystallized carbon. ** While Diamonds can come in several colors, the colorless variety is the most prized. Chemical impurities create the different colors, so an impurity-free Diamond will be perfectly colorless. The famous blue Hope Diamond, as well as other Diamonds with a smoky blue tinge, are not actually blue. The blue color is an effect caused by a complete lack of color paired with perfect transparency. These so-called Blue Nile Diamonds are the most prized of all.** If heated, a Diamond will decrease in size and finally disappear without any residue.** The word Diamond comes from the Greek adamas, which means "hardest steel" or "unconquerable."** Diamonds are called "ice" because they are actually naturally cold stones, often several degrees below room temperature.** Diamonds are known as the "King Gems."** Hindu lore says that Diamonds were created when bolts of lightning struck rocks. They believe that Diamonds are very powerful, but will lose their powers if bought or sold. They must be given as a token of love or friendship in order to be used as a talisman.** Long ago, Jewish high priests would use Diamonds to determine the innocence or guilt of the accused. A Diamond was believed to grow dull and dark in the presence of guilt.** Even though we tend to set Diamonds in gold, they are actually thought to be most potent, powerful, and valuable if set in steel.** Diamonds are the official birthstone for April. They are the traditional gemstone for the 30th and 60th anniversary, and are the winter stones of the season.