Many people consider diamonds to be virtually indestructible due to their renowned hardness. While diamonds are indeed the hardest natural substance known, this characteristic does not mean they are immune to damage. Diamonds can chip, fracture, or even break under certain conditions, making it important to understand their true physical limitations.
Diamond Hardness and Toughness
The durability of a material involves several properties, including hardness and toughness. Hardness refers to a material’s resistance to scratching or abrasion. Diamonds rank at the top of the Mohs scale of hardness, scoring a perfect 10, meaning only another diamond can scratch it. This exceptional scratch resistance is why diamonds maintain their polished luster over time.
Despite their extreme hardness, diamonds are not the toughest material. Toughness refers to a material’s ability to resist breaking, chipping, or fracturing when subjected to impact or stress. While diamonds are very hard, their toughness is considered moderate. This distinction is important because a material can be hard yet brittle and prone to breaking.
Diamonds possess a crystalline structure with “natural planes of weakness” known as cleavage planes. These are directions where atomic bonds are less strong, making the stone vulnerable to splitting. If struck with sufficient force at the correct angle, a diamond can cleave or split along these inherent weaknesses. This characteristic allows diamond cutters to intentionally split rough diamonds to shape them.
How Diamonds Can Break
Diamonds can break primarily due to sharp impacts, especially if the force is applied along a cleavage plane. A direct blow, such as dropping a ring or striking it against metal, can cause chipping, cracking, or splitting. The crystalline structure means that while it resists scratching, a sudden, precise impact can exploit its internal weaknesses.
Internal flaws, known as inclusions, can also compromise a diamond’s structural integrity. These microscopic imperfections, including tiny crystals or feathers, weaken the stone, particularly if they are near the surface or an edge. Significant inclusions, particularly those near the surface or edges, act as stress points, making the diamond more susceptible to fracturing from impact.
The cut of a diamond can also influence its susceptibility to breakage. Certain diamond shapes, like marquise, pear, or princess cuts, have pointed ends or sharp corners that are more exposed and less protected by their settings. These vulnerable points are more prone to chipping if they receive a direct impact. A thin girdle, the narrow band around the diamond’s widest part, can also increase the risk of chipping or breaking.
Caring for Diamonds
Proper care is important to maintain a diamond’s condition and longevity. It is advisable to remove diamond jewelry before engaging in strenuous activities, such as sports, gardening, or heavy housework, to avoid accidental impacts. Removing jewelry before showering or applying cosmetics and perfumes also helps prevent residue buildup that can dull the diamond’s sparkle and potentially affect the metal setting over time.
Storing diamond jewelry carefully is another important measure. Diamonds can scratch other gemstones, metals, and even other diamonds. To prevent damage, store each diamond piece separately in a soft cloth pouch or a compartmentalized jewelry box. This prevents pieces from rubbing against each other.
Regular cleaning and professional inspection contribute to a diamond’s lasting brilliance and integrity. Diamonds can be cleaned at home using a mild solution of warm water and dish soap, gently scrubbing with a soft-bristled brush, especially behind the stone. Professional jewelers can perform deeper cleanings and inspect the setting for looseness or potential vulnerabilities at least once a year. This allows for early detection of issues.