1Structure:
Diamond crystals found in nature are generally octahedral (eight faced). In the structure of diamond, each carbon i linked to four other carbon atoms forming regular and tetrahedral arrangement and this network of carbon atoms extends in three dimensions and is very rigid. This strong bonding is the cause of its hardness and its high density. This regular, symmetrical arrangement makes the structure very difficult to break. To separate one carbon atom from the structure, we have to break four strong covalent bonds.
Properties:
(A) It occurs naturally in free state and has octahedral shape.
(B) It is the hardest natural substance known.
(C) It has high specific gravity (about 3.5).
(D) It is transparent, colourless and brittle solid.
(E) It has a high refractive index (about 2.4).
(F) It is non-conductor of electricity.
