crack in half

[Solly]

Hi,

I hear it is not too difficult to crack a diamond, but how difficult is it to crack a chunk off a diamond (or crack a diamond in half)? Also, do cracks in diamonds propagate over time (like cracks in car windscreens). That is, if I have a diamond with an existing crack, can the crack slowly grow until the diamond falls apart?

Thanks!

 

[diagem]

Date: 2/7/2008 5:19:51 PM
Author:Solly
Hi,

I hear it is not too difficult to crack a diamond, but how difficult is it to crack a chunk off a diamond (or crack a diamond in half)? Also, do cracks in diamonds propagate over time (like cracks in car windscreens). That is, if I have a diamond with an existing crack, can the crack slowly grow until the diamond falls apart?

Thanks!

Diamonds are the hardest substance..., but are fragile at the same time...

The answer is yes!!! Extremely and I mean extremely rare on day to day wear and handling..., but in some harsh circumstances..., it can...

 

[DiamondExpert]

With 4 planes of cleavage (parallel to the octahedral faces), it is possible to have separation. However, it probably isn't going to happen with normal wear unless you have a cleavage inclusion which reaches the surface near the girdle. It is possble to knock bits and pieces off a stone (again usually at or near the girdle/corners) with long-term normal/abnormal wear.

 

[Solly]

Thanks guys,

very interesting!