2007-03-11 19:15:50 · 5 answers · asked by Amir A 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
In the case of both diamonds and iron, it has to do with the way the atoms line up. Carbon atoms align to form crystals, so their polarity is going in lots of different directions, and diamonds thus are not magnetic. Iron molecules line up with very definite polarity, so when they are exposed to a magnetic field, they respond. As to the shinniness of gold - that has to do more with the simple fact that it's a metal, and can be buffed to a sheen; that's true of most metals, whether or not they are affected by magnetic fields.
2007-03-11 19:25:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Diamonds are not shiny until they are cut. They actually look greasy. Gold is shiny that's what makes man want it. And iron is magnetic but it isn't worth anything near the other two. It is much more abundant. Diamonds are not scarce Most diamonds are horded away by the DeBeers family. would rather have a large cornflower blue Sapphire.
2007-03-14 20:04:54 · answer #2 · answered by carolinatinpan 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lots of minerals are shiny, ie: pyrite, mica, most crystaline structures... Raw diamonds are dull and lusterless. Iron responds to a magnetic field. It's the nature of those things. Why ask why?
2007-03-12 02:34:42 · answer #3 · answered by charliecizarny 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, -would you rather gold be transparent, diamond be magnetic, & iron shiny? It just wouldn't be the same... :)
2007-03-12 02:25:06 · answer #4 · answered by Joseph, II 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because God made it that way.
2007-03-12 02:23:28 · answer #5 · answered by tranquility_base3@yahoo.com 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋