Article
Article
Diamond
Article By:
Meyer, Henry, O.A. Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana.
Last reviewed:August 2019
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.190900
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A crystalline form of carbon and the hardest known mineral. Diamond has been found on all continents except Antarctica, although rocks associated with it have been found there. It occurs in nature as single crystals of gem (Fig. 1) or industrial quality, and as polycrystalline masses referred to as boart, framesite, or carbonado. It has also been found as minute black grains in some meteorites. Diamond can be synthesized in the laboratory and is produced commercially in large amounts for industrial uses. See also: Carbon; Graphite; Hardness scales
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