Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring substance found on Earth.
Understanding Hardness
Hardness is typically measured using the Mohs hardness scale or microhardness tests. The provided reference highlights these aspects of diamond's hardness:
- Mohs Hardness: Diamond has a Mohs hardness of grade 10, the highest possible rating.
- Microhardness: Diamond has a microhardness of 10000 kg/mm2.
Diamond's Superior Hardness
The reference emphasizes the significant difference in hardness between diamond and other materials:
- Diamond's microhardness is 1,000 times higher than quartz.
- Diamond's microhardness is 150 times higher than corundum.
Diamond as an Allotrope of Carbon
The reference also specifies that diamond is an allotrope of carbon, meaning it is a form of carbon with a unique crystal structure responsible for its extreme hardness.
