Question

Comment on the accuracy of a jeweler's advertising that "diamonds last forever." In what sense is the statement true, and in what ways is it false?

Short answer

The statement 'diamonds last forever' is partially true and false. They are the most durable substance known to mankind, but they can degrade into graphite over an extraordinarily long period or can be destroyed by intense heat or mishandling.

Step-by-step solution

- Understand the given statement

The advertisement states that 'diamonds last forever'. This means that diamonds are presumed to have an infinite lifespan. Is it a universally applicable statement? Let's dissect it.

- Analyse the truth behind the statement

In some senses, the statement is true. Diamonds are the hardest known substance. They are incredibly resilient and can withstand attacks that would damage or destroy most other substances. Under normal circumstances, a diamond is seemingly 'eternal' or can 'last forever' in terms of durability.

- Expose its false aspects

However, diamonds don't truly 'last forever' in a couple of senses. Firstly, they will eventually degrade into graphite over a period of thousands of years, albeit this process may take longer than the current age of the Universe. Secondly, a diamond can be destroyed with intense heat or extreme physical mishandling. Thus, the context matters a lot in interpreting the 'forever' of the diamonds.

Key concepts

Diamond Durability

Diamonds are renowned for their remarkable hardness, often cited as the hardest natural material known to humanity. This incredible durability stems from the robust crystal structure of the diamond, where each carbon atom is tetrahedrally bonded to four other carbon atoms, creating a three-dimensional lattice that confers its unmistakable hardness.

This structure, not only makes diamonds resistant to scratches but also means they can only be cut or scratched with another diamond. Therefore, when you hear a jeweler promote the enduring nature of diamonds, they are alluding to this ability to resist physical wear and tear over time – a quality that makes them a symbol of enduring love in jewelry.

However, while diamonds resist scratching and maintain a shine that can span centuries, they're not indestructible. They can chip or break if struck with significant force, especially along their natural cleavage lines. Understanding this aspect of diamond durability is important for proper diamond care and highlights that while they are exceptionally hard, diamonds are not invincible.

Diamond to Graphite Degradation

Although diamonds symbolize eternal strength, they are not eternally stable on a chemical level. Given enough time, diamonds can transform into graphite, a process driven by thermodynamics, where each carbon atom in graphite has a lower state of energy compared to its arrangement in diamond.

This degradation is not noticeable on a human timescale, as it occurs over geological timeframes – literally millions to billions of years. It's crucial to realize that this transformation is an incredibly slow process at room temperature, since diamonds are metastable. This means that although graphite is the more stable form of carbon at ambient conditions, diamonds do not spontaneously convert to graphite because the activation energy barrier to this conversion is extremely high.

In practical terms, this slow transformation does not impact the day-to-day use of diamonds in jewelry or industrial applications. Nevertheless, understanding that such a transformation is theoretically possible helps demystify the notion that diamonds are forever in a literal sense.

Physical and Chemical Stability of Diamonds

The stability of diamonds is a concept appreciated both in the realm of physical endurance and chemical persistence. Physically, the crystal lattice of diamonds makes them resistant to corrosion and most acids and bases, contributing to their longevity as gemstones and industrial tools. This resistance to chemical attack is a key aspect of why we value them so highly for various uses.

Chemically, diamonds are composed of carbon atoms bonded tightly together, which also makes them inert in many environments. They do not react with most chemicals and remain unchanged when exposed to harsh substances that would readily damage other materials. However, this stability has its limits; diamonds can burn in the presence of oxygen at high temperatures, typically above 850°C.

In summary, diamonds showcase a high degree of both physical rigidity and chemical inertness, making them nearly unchangeable under typical conditions encountered by humans. The balance of understanding a diamond's longevity and its limits in physical and chemical scenarios provides a more nuanced appreciation for these extraordinary gems.