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Industrial vs gem quality diamonds
Diamonds are the hardest known naturally occurring material Its
hardness has been known since ancient times, and is the source of its
name. However, there have been synthetic diamonds created which are
even harder.
The hardest natural diamonds in the world are diamonds from the New
England area in New South Wales, Australia. These diamonds are
generally small, and are used to polish other diamonds.
Industrial use of diamonds has historically been associated with their
hardness; this property makes diamond the ideal material for cutting
and grinding tools. It is one of the most known and most useful of more
than 3,000 known minerals. As the hardest known naturally occurring
material, diamond can be used to polish, cut, or wear away any
material, including other diamonds. Common industrial adaptations of
this ability include diamond-tipped drill bits and saws, or use of
diamond powder as an abrasive. Other specialized applications also
exist or are being developed, including use as semiconductors: some
blue diamonds are natural semiconductors, in contrast to most other
diamonds, which are excellent electrical insulators. Industrial-grade
diamonds are either unsuitable for use as gems or synthetically
produced, which lowers their price and makes their use economically
feasible. Industrial applications, especially as drill bits and
engraving tools, also date to ancient times.
The hardness of diamonds also contributes to its suitability as a
gemstone. Because it can only be scratched by other diamonds, it
maintains its polish extremely well, keeping its luster over long
periods of time. Unlike many other gems, it is well-suited to daily
wear because of its resistance to scratching—perhaps contributing to
its popularity as the preferred gem in an engagement ring or wedding
ring, which are often worn ever
