Diamond Makers

Robert Hazen s excellent 1999 book on the diamond-makers has been repeatedly cited. Earlier, he had brought out a popular account of high-pressure research... 

Hazen, R. (1999) The Diamond Makers (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge). 

Without a doubt, crystals such as diamonds, emeralds and rubies, whose beauty has been exposed by jewelry-makers for centuries, are enjoyable for everybody through their perfect shapes and astonishing range of colors. Far fewer people take pleasure in the internal harmony - atomic structure -which defines shape and other properties of crystals but remains invisible to the naked eye. Ordered atomic structures are present in a variety of common materials, e.g. metals, sand, rocks or ice, in addition to the easily recognizable precious stones. The former usually consist of many tiny crystals and therefore, are called polycrystals, for example metals and ice, or powders, such as sand and snow. Besides external shapes and internal structures, the beauty of crystals can be appreciated from an infinite number of distinct diffraction patterns they form upon interaction with certain types of waves, e.g. x-rays. Similarly, the beauty of the sea is largely defined by a continuously changing but distinctive patterns formed by waves on the water s surface. 

Cartridge makers Cement workers Ceramics makers Chemical equipment workers Construction workers Cutlery makers Demolition workers Dental technicians Diamond polishers Dye makers... 

Industrial applications of diamond have developed over the years as a result of developments by tool makers, machinery manufacturers and the advert of new materials. In addition, new diamond (and cBN) products have evolved, either as a result of technological advances in synthesis or in response to the requirements of a new application, and it is this multi-partnership relationship within the industry which has resulted in the dramatic growth and diversification since the early 1960s. 

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