An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A crystalline form of → carbon, which is the hardest substance known. Each carbon in a diamond crystal is bonded to four other carbon atoms forming a tetrahedral unit. This tetrahedral bonding of five carbon atoms forms an incredibly strong molecule. Diamond has a very high → refractive index and → dispersive power. It is colorless when pure, and sometimes colored by traces of impurities. Natural diamond was formed billions of years ago within the Earth → mantle at depths greater than 150 km, where pressure is roughly 5 giga→ pascals and the temperature is around 1200 °C. Diamonds reach the surface of the Earth via volcanic eruptions. Similarly very small diamonds (micrometer and nanometer sizes) are usually found in impact sites of → meteorites.
Such impact events create shock zones of high pressure and temperature suitable for diamond formation. When diamond is exposed to high temperatures or ion bombardment, it will be transformed into → graphite.

Etymology (EN): Diamond, from O.Fr. diamant, from M.L. diamant-, diamas-, from L. adamant-, adamas “hardest metal,” from Gk. adamas “unbreakable,” from → a- “not” + daman “to subdue, to tame;” cognate with Pers. dâm “a tame animal.”

Etymology (PE): Almâs, loanword from Gk., as above.