7 Key Concepts

Question 1

What is the strongest of all atomic bonds?

Answer 1

Covalent bonds are the strongest of all atomic

bonds.

Question 2

How do diamond atoms bond compare to the atoms of any other natural material?

Answer 2

Diamond’s atoms are more closely bonded than

the atoms of any other natural material.

Question 3

What is the most common habit of gem diamond?

Answer 3

The most common habit of gem diamond is the octahedron (8), but perfectly shaped octahedral rough is rare.

Question 4

Which crystal system do diamonds belong to?

Answer 4

Diamonds belong to the cubic or isometric crystal system, the most symmetrical of the crystal systems.

Question 5

What is the most important factor in a rough gem diamond crystal’s potential value?

Answer 5

Shape is the most important factor in a rough gem diamond crystal’s potential value.

Question 6

Which planes provide the most efficient sawing directions for dividing large, regularly shaped crystals?

Answer 6

Cubic planes provide the most efficient sawing directions for dividing large, regularly shaped crystals. Cubic, octahedron, and dodecahedron are the most important directions to a diamond cutter.

Question 7

What is the most common twinned diamond crystal?

Answer 7

The macle is the most common twinned diamond crystal.

Question 8

What factors determine a diamond rough’s potential as a faceted gem?

Answer 8

Diamond rough’s potential as a faceted gem depends on its shape, clarity, and color.

Question 9

Is a rough diamond’s potential shape affected by inclusions?

Answer 9

Inclusions can limit a rough diamond’s potential shape.

Question 10

Which planes are the most important directions to a diamond cutter?

Answer 10

The cubic, octahedral, and dodecahedral planes are the most important directions to a diamond cutter.