Diamond

• Allotropes


  Different forms of the same element
• Diamond


  • Each carbon atom bonds with four other carbons, forming a tetrahedron
  • All the covalent bonds are identical, very strong and there are no intermolecular forces
• Diamond


  • It does not conduct electricity
  • It has a very high melting point
  • It is extremely hard and has a density of 3.51 g/cm3 a little higher than that of aluminium
• All the outer shell electrons in carbon are held in the four covalent bonds around each carbon atom, so there are no freely moving charged particles to the current
• The four covalent bonds are very strong and extend in a giant lattice, so a very large amount of heat energy is needed to break the lattice
• Diamond's hardness makes it very useful for purposes where extremely tough material is required
• Uses of diamond


  • Jewellery
  • Coating blades in cutting tools
  • Cutting edges of discs used to cut bricks and concrete
  • Heavy-duty drill bits and tooling equipment