News: Are Diamonds Forever?

As Theo Gray of Gray Matter demonstrates below, contrary to what the ads may say, diamonds CAN expire. Especially when attacked with a blow torch and liquid nitrogen.

Gray says:

"Diamonds are neither rare nor intrinsically valuable nor uniquely romantic. Those are ideas invented by the diamond industry.

The diamond has one legitimate claim to fame: It is still, as far as we know, the hardest substance. Despite its hardness, though, the chemical bonds that hold the carbon atoms in diamond together are actually weaker than those that hold together the other common form of pure carbon, graphite. The difference is that in diamond the bonds form an inflexible, three-dimensional lattice, whereas in graphite the atoms are tightly bonded into sheets. But those sheets can slide easily against each other, making graphite soft and slippery..." (Read more)

More from Gray Matter:

• Do Not Try This at Home: The Human Torch.
• Do Not Try This at Home: Trapping Explosive Gases With a Kitchen Sieve.
• Do Not Try This at Home: Exploding Hydrogen Bubbles.
• Hand Fully Submerged in Liquid Nitrogen (OUCH... Right?)
• BAM! Sugar Is Not as Sweet as You May Think.
• Metal Isn't Flammable... Right?
• HowTo: Hack Light.