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E:/ Andhraphysics2003/ Diamonds.P65 1St Proof
E:/ Andhraphysics2003/ Diamonds.P65 1St Proof
p65
1st Proof
1
ON DIAMONDS
Cleaving is the ability of crystals to split apart much more easily along planes in a
few directions than along any other directions; this is because, the atomic arrangement
in crystals is such that in certain directions, the binding forces between plane to plane
will be considerably less than in other directions. These planes are the cleavage planes.
Not all crystals exhibit cleavage. But those which do, will have excellent or derliness in
the atomic arrangement. In diamond, the cleavage planes are oriented parallel to the
octahedral faces.
TABLE CUT
Fig. B
Uses of Diamond :
Diamond is the hardestk naturally occurring substance. A
large quantity of industrial diamonds are sued as drilling bits
which are used for drilling hard materials such as concrete.
Diamond tools are used in, aircraft production, machine tool
industries, shaping the internal combustion and diesel engines.
Diamonds have exceptionally low efficient of thermal expansion.
Hence when used in grinding or as abrasives, they hardly dilate
while intense heat is produced. Thus they do not fallout from the
tool setting.
The technical use of diamonds is so extensive that, only a
small percentage of all diamonds mined are set in jewellery,
but the rest proceed towards industrial applications.
By the way don't mistake hardness for toughness. If you drop a diamond on the
floor, it may shatter - because it is not tough !