DIAMOND COMPOSITION/TYPE: COMPOSITION/TYPE:

NATURE/BACKGROUND: NATURE/BACKGROUND:
Diamond is composed of the single element carbon, and it is
the arrangement of the C atoms in the lattice that give
diamond its amazing properties. Compare the structure of
diamond and graphite, both composed of just carbon.
Diamond can be classified as an element. This is because
diamond is an allotropic form of Carbon. The impurities
measured are at the atomic level within the crystal lattice of
carbon atoms and so, unlike inclusions, require an infrared
spectrometer to detect. The impurities measured are at the
atomic level within the crystal lattice of carbon atoms and so,
unlike inclusions, require an infrared spectrometer to detect.
The structure of the diamond itself is the real reason why it is
not considered a rock. By definition, a rock is a substance
made up of two or more minerals. Although they are
composed of unique minerals, rocks are what we often see in
nature. A rock must have at least two minerals in its
composition.

All diamonds which we see on earth have been developed in the extreme depth, and came out
through a volcanic eruption or other natural process. It is estimated that these gems are formed
around 150 kilometers deep inside the earth. Carbon can have several shapes. The most well-known
form of carbon is diamond.

Geologically speaking, natural diamonds are found in two environments. Most are found in
kimberlites, which are pipe-like formations created as a result of volcanic and tectonic activity. The
second geological source for diamonds is placer deposits. Diamonds are used for industrial
purpose. Its property of hardness is useful to drill, grind or cut materials. Hence, some blades used for
cutting and drills in the industry used diamonds. They are present on the edges and tips in small sizes.
Diamonds are formed deep within the Earth about 100 miles or so below the surface in the upper
mantle. Obviously in that part of the Earth it’s very hot.
OBSIDIAN
Obsidian consists of about 70 percent or more non-crystallized silica
(silicon dioxide). It is chemically similar to granite and rhyolite, which
also were originally molten. Is a naturally occurring volcanic glass
formed when lava extruded from a volcano cools rapidly with minimal
crystal growth. It is an igneous rock. Obsidian is produced from felsic
lava, rich in the lighter elements such as silicon, oxygen, aluminium,
sodium, and potassium.

There are several shades of Obsidian including rainbow, snowflake, gold, and mahogany. Obsidian is
hard and brittle and was commonly used for tools. The meaning of Obsidian is safety and grounding.
Obsidian is produced from volcanoes when felsic lava cools and freezes without sufficient time for
crystal growth. It is commonly found in areas where the cooling of lava was rapid—such as at the
margins of the lava flows and in places where the lava entered a lake or sea. Pure obsidian is usually
dark in appearance, though the color varies depending on the impurities present. Iron and other
transition elements may give the obsidian a dark brown to black color. Most black obsidians contain
nanoinclusions of magnetite, an iron oxide. Very few samples of obsidian are nearly colorless.