Initial Publication Date: August 29, 2006

Diamond

Download the structure for interactive viewing

Choose one of the options below, based on which program you want to view the structure with.

For viewing with the demo version of CrystalMaker (more info) ,
For viewing with the commercial version of CrystalMaker (more info) ,
For viewing with XtalDraw (more info) ,
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Questions

  1. What is the coordination number for each C atom?
  2. What is the shape of the polyhedron that forms if all of the nearest neighbor C atoms are connected?
  3. What type of bonds occur in diamond? What is the hardness of diamond? How is hardness related to bond type?
  4. For CrystalMaker users, use the bond angle tool to determine the bond angle between any C atom and its two nearest neighbors.
  5. Now let's explore the cleavage directions in diamond. The following instructions are for CrystalMaker users. First, expand the structure by clicking on Transform -> Set Range and clicking on "Expand" three times, followed by "Apply". Next, click on Transform -> Lattice Plane -> Edit and enter "1" in each of the boxes. (111) is a shorthand method of expressing the orientation of the resulting lattic plane in the mineral structure and the numbers are called "Miller indices". Move this plane as far away from C atoms as possible by using the lattic plane tool. Now note the distance between this plane and the surrounding C atoms. Next, draw a lattice plane for these Miller indices: (001) and move it with the lattic plane tool away from neighboring C atoms. Which plane, (111) or (001), will be more easily cleaved through diamond?
  6. What is the relationship between bond angle and cleavage?