Everyone is familiar with the use of diamonds for making beautiful jewelry. Nobody demonstrated that more convincingly than Marilyn Monroe in the movie "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend."
But although diamonds are used to make some of the most beautiful jewelry in the world, many people don't realize that the major use of diamonds is not for jewelry but in industry. Three-fourths of all diamonds that are mined are used in industry. This is because the diamond is the hardest natural substance known to man. The word "diamond" is derived from the Greek word "adamas" meaning "unconquerable." The name fits well, because the only thing that can cut a diamond is another diamond.
One of the major industrial uses of diamonds is to make tools. Diamond tools can be used to cut, drill, and grind away any kind of surface. Because they are so hard, they also last longer than regular tools.
One of the most popular diamond tools is the diamond Tile Saw, which is very handy for home construction projects. Diamond tile saws come in various sizes and types, depending on what material they will be used to cut. One type is used to cut ceramic and marble tile. Another type uses a stronger blade that is needed to cut harder tile made from granite or porcelain. A Wet Saw is one that uses water to cool the blade while it is cutting. Popular brands of diamond tile saws include MK Diamond, Target, Felker, QEP, and Imer.
Diamonds are composed of only one element, called carbon. It is believed that diamonds were formed millions of years ago from carbon deep underground in conditions of intense heat and pressure. Diamonds were known to man before 3000 BC. India was the principal source of diamonds until they were discovered in Brazil in 1725. Currently, large deposits are known to exist in Australia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire), Botswana, Russia, South Africa, Namibia, and Angola. Industrial diamonds come primarily from Australia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Industrial diamonds are also produced synthetically from graphite. Some synthetic diamonds conduct heat 50 percent more efficiently than natural diamonds and are five times stronger. This type of synthetic diamond is used to disperse heat in electronic and telecommunication devices and in the production of laser components.
Diamonds are one of only four gem stones that are called "precious." The other three are the emerald, the ruby, and the sapphire. All other valuable gem stones, such as amethysts, opals and topazes, are called "semi precious."
