October 2007

Question:How do you cut a diamond if it's the hardest natural substance?
—Stephen M., New York

Answer: A diamond is usually cut by one thing: other diamonds. A diamond crystal is made of many tiny particles called atoms. The atoms are arranged in a tight, orderly pattern. That structure gives the diamond its extreme hardness.
But the diamond crystal does not have the same hardness in every direction. Some directions through the crystal are harder than others. To cut a diamond crystal, workers use a saw coated with many tiny diamonds. The saw is designed so that the hard parts of the tiny diamonds cut through the softer parts of the diamond crystal.

Do you have a question?
Fill out this form and send it to:
You Asked, SuperScience
557 Broadway
New York, NY 10012