A diamond is a mineral and is comprised of the same chemical as found in graphite.
Diamond is a rare, naturally occurring mineral that is made of carbon. Each of the carbon atoms present in a diamond is surrounded by another four carbon atoms and they are connected to them through a very strong covalent bond. The covalent bond is particularly the strongest type of chemical bond.
The hardest natural substances known are diamond. Diamond is known to be chemically resistance. It possesses the highest thermal conductivity of natural material. These characteristics make diamond suitable for use as a cutting tool.
Diamond has unique optical characteristics such as high luster, high dispersion and high index of refraction. The enormous properties that diamond possesses actually made it the most popular gemstone in the world.
Minerals are categorized based on their crystalline structure and chemical composition. Minerals have seven physical properties and these include:
However, graphite is a mineral that is made up of the element of carbon and its chemical properties is similar to diamond. Both are made out of carbon, but the molecular structure of Graphite is basically different to that of diamond. Graphite is a common mineral found in igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Graphite is soft and slippery. It is arranged in layers. It is also the most stable form of carbon when it is under stable conditions.
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