Diamonds. Arguably the most prized and romanticized gemstone it is also the hardest gemstone, measuring 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Though 58 times harder than anything in nature it is comprised of just one element—carbon. Ironically another well-known mineral, graphite, is also comprised of pure carbon but is one of the softest minerals known, measuring less than 1 on the Mohs scale. How can this be? It’s all about the structure of the minerals. In a diamond, the carbon atoms are arranged tetrahedrally with each atom attached to four other carbon atoms which give diamonds a much higher density than graphite. In graphite the atoms are layered in a hexagonal structure, kind of like layers of chicken wire fencing. This makes graphite much less dense than diamond and also gives it the ability to conduct electricity which diamonds do not have.

Many ancient civilizations believed that diamonds were lightning made real on earth, the Hindus believed diamonds were created when bolts of lightning struck rocks. The name itself is derived from the Greek word, adamus, which means “invincible.” The legend goes that Chronos had changed a young man called Adamas into a precious stone which have him unbelievable strength and good fortune. He was also seen as an antidote for poisons and reinforced the love between married couples. Diamonds have been associated with great healing powers and were thought to cure brain disease, mental illnesses, skin diseases, and infections. Currently, and throughout history, diamonds are a symbol of eternal and lasting love.