It is a common question whether diamonds are easy to break, often stemming from a misunderstanding of their unique physical properties. While diamonds are known for their extreme hardness, this characteristic does not mean they are immune to all forms of damage. Clarifying the distinctions between different aspects of a diamond’s strength helps to address this widespread misconception.
Understanding Diamond Durability
Diamonds are renowned for being the hardest natural material on Earth, a property that refers to their resistance to scratching. This characteristic is measured on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, where diamonds rank at the highest level, 10 out of 10. This extreme hardness is why diamonds are effective for cutting and polishing other materials, as nothing else can easily scratch their surface except another diamond.
Despite their exceptional hardness, diamonds are not considered the toughest material. Toughness describes a material’s ability to resist breaking, chipping, or fracturing when subjected to impact or force. While a diamond is incredibly resistant to surface wear, its molecular structure gives it a moderate toughness, meaning it can still shatter or break under specific conditions. This distinction is important because a hard material like a diamond can still be brittle, similar to how glass is hard but breaks easily.
Vulnerabilities of Diamonds
A diamond’s internal structure includes specific planes of weakness known as cleavage planes. These planes are directions within the crystal where the atomic bonds are less strong, making the diamond susceptible to splitting. Diamonds possess four such perfect cleavage planes, which can be exploited during the cutting process but also represent points of vulnerability.
When a diamond experiences a sharp blow or impact, especially if the force is directed along one of these cleavage planes, it can result in damage. Such impacts can lead to chipping, where small pieces break off the diamond, or fracturing, which involves larger cracks or breaks within the stone. While diamonds are resistant to everyday wear, a direct, sharp impact at a vulnerable angle can cause significant damage.
Caring for Diamond Jewelry
To protect diamond jewelry from damage, it is advisable to remove it during activities that could expose it to potential impacts. This includes engaging in sports, performing manual labor, or gardening, where sharp blows or collisions are more likely. Removing diamond rings during these times can prevent chipping or fracturing that might occur from accidental force.
Proper storage also helps preserve diamond jewelry. Store diamond pieces separately from other jewelry items to prevent scratching. Using a jewelry box with individual compartments or soft cloth pouches offers good protection.
Regular professional inspection is another important aspect of care. A jeweler can check for loose settings or any signs of wear that could make the diamond more vulnerable to damage. Cleaning diamond jewelry regularly with a mild solution of warm water and dish soap, and gently brushing with a soft toothbrush, can maintain its sparkle without risking damage to the stone or setting. Harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners should be avoided, as they can harm the metal settings or dull the diamond’s brilliance.