PROPERTIES, USES AND TYPES OF DIAMOND

Abstract

Diamond can also contain inclusions of aluminum (Al), silicon (Si), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), etc. Its high refractive index (2.42) promotes exceptional light dispersion. While the faces of rough diamonds have a greasy appearance, the luster on the cut faces is brilliant (adamantine luster). It is the hardest known mineral with a hardness of 10 on the Mohs logarithmic scale (10 times greater than that of corundum or its gem varieties, sapphire or ruby). Although diamond is extremely strong, it is fragile and can be easily crushed or split by impact along its octahedral cleavage planes.