Diamond vs Graphite

Property Diamond Graphite
Формула C C
Кристаллическая система Cubic (Isometric) N/A
Класс минерала 01 Native Elements N/A
Твёрдость по Моосу 10.0 N/A
Цвет Colorless, yellow, brown, blue, green, pink N/A
Блеск Adamantine N/A
Черта None N/A
Прозрачность Transparent N/A
Спайность Perfect octahedral {111} N/A
Излом Conchoidal N/A

Key Differences

  • Diamond (hardness 10) is the hardest natural mineral; graphite (hardness 1–2) is one of the softest — yet both are pure carbon.
  • Diamond has a tetrahedral sp3 crystal structure; graphite has layered sp2 sheets held by weak van der Waals forces.
  • Diamond is transparent with adamantine luster; graphite is opaque with metallic to dull luster.
  • Diamond is an electrical insulator; graphite is a good electrical conductor.
  • Diamond forms under extreme pressure in the mantle; graphite forms at low pressure in metamorphic rocks.

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