Everyone knows such substances as graphite and diamond. Graphite is found everywhere. For example, rods for simple pencils are made from it. Graphite is a substance quite affordable and cheap. But a substance like diamond is very different from graphite. Diamond is the most expensive stone, very rare and transparent, unlike graphite. It's hard to believe, but the chemical formula of graphite is the same as that of diamond. In this article, we will analyze how this is possible.
Graphite: history and properties of the mineral
The history of graphite goes back thousands of years, so it is extremely difficult to establish the exact year of its use. Graphite is famous for being a good conductor of electricity. In addition, this mineral is very fragile. That's why they make pencil leads out of it.
The chemical properties of a mineral include the formation of inclusion compounds with many substances, such as s alts and alkali metals. The mineral does not dissolve in acids.
The formula of graphite is C, that is, it is one of the allotropic modifications of the famous sixth element of the periodic table - carbon.
Diamond: the history and properties of the mineral
The history of the diamond is very unusual. It is believed that the first diamond was found in India. At that time, mankind could not understand the full power of this stone. Geologists only knew that this stone is very hard and durable. Until the 15th century, diamonds were worth much less than emeralds and rubies. And only then an unknown jeweler, in the process of working with a stone, gave it a beautiful cut, which later became known as a diamond cut. It was then that the stone showed itself in all its glory.
Diamonds are mainly used in industry. This mineral is the most durable in the whole world, which is why it is used to make abrasives, cutters for processing durable metals and much more.
As we already know, the formula of graphite in chemistry is C, and diamond has the same formula.
Differences between diamond and graphite
Despite the fact that the minerals have similar chemical formulas, they differ dramatically from each other both in appearance and from a chemical point of view.
First of all, diamond and graphite have a completely different structure from each other. After all, graphite consists of a grid of hexagons, while diamond has a cubic crystal structure. The fragility of graphite is due to the fact that the bond between its layers is very easy to break, its atoms are quietly separated from each other. Because of this, graphite absorbs light easily and is very dark, unlike diamond.
The structure of diamond is different in that one carbon atom is surrounded by four more atoms inthe form of a tetrahedral triangle or pyramid. Each atom is at the same distance from each other. The bonds between atoms are very strong, which is why diamond is so hard and strong. Another property of diamond is that it can conduct light, unlike graphite.
Is it strange that the formula of graphite is the same as the formula of diamond, but the minerals are completely different? Not! After all, diamond is created by nature at a huge pressure, and then very fast cooling, while graphite is created at low pressure, but very high temperature.
What are allotropic substances?
Allotropic substances are a very important concept in chemistry. This is the basis of the basics, which allows you to distinguish substances from each other.
At school, allotropic substances are studied using the example of graphite and diamond, as well as their difference. So, having studied the differences between diamond and graphite, we can conclude that allotropy is the existence in nature of two or more substances that differ in their structure and properties, but have a similar chemical formula or belong to the same chemical element.
Getting a diamond from graphite
The formula of graphite - C - allowed scientists to make many experiments, as a result of which the allotropic substances of graphite were found.
Teachers tell both schoolchildren and students about how scientists tried to create diamonds from graphite. This story is very interesting and fascinating, and it also allows you to remember the existence of such allotropic substances as graphite and diamond, and about theirdifferences.
Some time ago, scientists tried to create diamonds from graphite. They believed that if the formula of diamond and graphite is the same, then they will be able to create a diamond, because the stone is very expensive and rare. Now we know that the mineral diamond appears in nature at high pressure and instantaneous cooling. Therefore, scientists decided to blow up graphite, thereby creating the necessary conditions for the formation of diamond. And in fact, a miracle happened, after the explosion, very small diamond crystals formed on the graphite.
Application of graphite and diamond
Today, both graphite and diamond are used mainly in industry. But about 10% of all diamond production goes to jewelry. Most often, pencils are made from graphite, as it is very fragile and brittle, while leaving marks.
