What is Diamond | Origins | History | Mining & Distribution | Diamond Jewels

Durability

Hardness is not the only measure of a mineral's durability--the relative resistance to break is another. Though diamond is not fragile or prone to breaking apart, all substances including diamond can fracture or shatter. Due to its particular crystal structure, diamond has certain planes of limitation along which it can be split. Diamond is said to have perfect cleavage in four different directions, meaning it will separate neatly along these lines rather than in an uneven or irregular fashion. This is because the diamond crystal has less chemical bonds along the plane of its octahedral face than in other directions. Diamond cutters take advantage of cleavage to fashion diamonds powerfully.

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