2006-09-03 00:54:44 · 11 answers · asked by tom science 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
A chip is when a tiny piece of the gemstone is missing, caused by normal wear and tear, or by cutting.
A fracture is crack on the Diamond's surface. This can also be caused by wear, or may have been present as the gem formed and remains even after the diamond has been cut.
Even though a diamond is one of the toughest gems on the Moh's scale of hardness it is not indestructible.
2006-09-03 01:02:06 · answer #1 · answered by goodnevili 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When diamonds form, they do not usually form as perfect solid masses. So if subjected to a sufficient force, a diamond could fracture along the line of an existing flaw. A diamond could chip if struck by another diamond, or by a few very hard, artifically made substances.
2006-09-03 01:00:11 · answer #2 · answered by DavidK93 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Diamonds are a crystal structure. Parts of the diamond are weak along the fault lines and, if struck by something, can fracture along that line.
This is how large diamonds are cut... the diamond cutters take advantage of the flaws in the diamond to know where to put the chisel.
2006-09-03 00:59:40 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Diamonds are very easily broken they cleave when due preasure in the correct way is applied. Many are fracture filled put a large one in an ultrasonic cleaner could be enough to fracture it'.
A chip very likely on a cleavage plane easily done. Tap a diamond with a hammer watch it shatter.
2006-09-03 02:31:12 · answer #4 · answered by Eric C 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is quite easy to chip or break a diamond. The hardness rating means that a diamond can not be scratched. But if you hit a diamond with a hammer it will shatter like glass.
2006-09-03 01:40:56 · answer #5 · answered by brooks163 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Anything as simple as washing the dishes. Diamonds, being crystals are subject to cleaving along set planes within the stone.
If you are fortunate enough to get a large diamond then please be careful about the design of any ring you may want it put in. For example an elevated style - like those favoured by tifanny - that have only a few claws to hold it in place offer less protection to the stone than a setting with more claws or even a rub over bezel setting.
2006-09-03 02:12:12 · answer #6 · answered by zpom 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Haha, a jackhammer.
Nah, kidding. You would probably need quite a bit of force and probably a device with an inclined plane in order to chip or fracture it.
2006-09-03 01:02:31 · answer #7 · answered by รզlεսռց ☆ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Diamonds are one of the hardest things on earth...but I know my mothers diamond cracked when she got her hand slammed in the car door....along with crushing her hand
2006-09-03 01:00:52 · answer #8 · answered by Cherry_Blossom 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only immense pressure or being hit by the sharp edge of another diamond ...
2006-09-03 00:59:36 · answer #9 · answered by jhstha 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Another diamond. High pressure and high temperature.
Maybe a crazy hamster.
2006-09-03 01:01:01 · answer #10 · answered by lkraie 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋