Yes, diamonds are a form of pure carbon.
What is a Diamond?
Based on the provided reference, Diamond is a solid form of pure carbon with its atoms arranged in a specific crystal structure. This crystalline arrangement gives diamonds their unique properties, such as extreme hardness and brilliance.
Carbon, in its solid state, can exist in various forms known as allotropes. These different forms depend on how the carbon atoms are bonded together. The reference explicitly states that diamond is one of the two most common allotropes of pure carbon.
Common Allotropes of Pure Carbon
The reference mentions two primary allotropes of pure carbon:
- Diamond: Known for its hardness and crystalline structure.
- Graphite: Known for being soft and flaky (like pencil lead), with a layered structure.
| Allotrope | Composition | Structure | Properties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond | Pure Carbon | Crystalline | Extremely hard, high thermal conductivity |
| Graphite | Pure Carbon | Layered | Soft, conductive, good lubricant |
While natural diamonds can sometimes contain trace impurities, the fundamental chemical composition of a diamond crystal is pure carbon. This is what distinguishes it as an allotrope of the element carbon.
Understanding that diamond is pure carbon helps explain its fundamental properties and its relationship to other carbon-based materials like graphite.
