Agnew Jewelers Inc

The Diamond

The word diamond comes from the Greek, “Adamas,” or Latin’s “Diamas,” both of which means unconquerable. The fact that diamonds are almost indestructible makes them the perfect symbol of everlasting love. The Greeks believed that the fire of a diamond reflected the constant flame of love.

The Natural Diamond

“A Diamond is a natural mineral consisting essentially of pure carbon crystallized with a cubic structure in the isometric system. Its hardness in the Moh’s scale is 10; its specific gravity is approximately 3.52; it has a refractive index of 2,42 and it can be found in many colours.” Definition supplied by the DTC.

A gemstone of this description that has been mined from the earth is the only gem that can be called a Diamond. The term “cultured” is not acceptable in conjunction with “diamond.”

Physical Properties of Diamonds

• Very simple in composition: C carbon---99.95%. Diamond is the only inorganic gemstone that consists of only one element Chemically it’s simple carbon. Its crystal form gives it three desirable optical properties:
• Hardest gemstone known to man. Diamond’s hardness enables it to accept a higher polish than any other gemstone, thereby making it more brilliant than any other gemstone.
• Melting point is 6,900 degrees F -4,000 degrees C – 2 1/2 times the melting point of steel.
• Does not undergo thermal expansion (water to ice).
• Four times more reflective than glass