As a gemstone, Diamond's single flaw (perfect cleavage) is far outdistanced by the sum of its positive qualities. It has a broad color range, high refraction, high dispersion or fire, very low reactivity to chemicals, rarity, and of course, extreme hardness and durability. Diamond is the April Birthstone.
In terms of it's physical properties, diamond is the ultimate mineral in several ways:
- Hardness: Diamond is a perfect "10", defining the top of the hardness scale.
- Clarity: Diamond is transparent over a larger range of wavelengths (from the ultraviolet into the far infrared) than is any other solid or liquid substance - nothing else even comes close.
- Thermal Conductivity: Diamond conducts heat better than anything - five times better than the second best element, Silver!
- Melting Point: Diamond has the highest melting point (3820 degrees Kelvin)!
- Lattice Density: The atoms of Diamond are packed closer together than are the atoms of any other substance!
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