The hardness of a material is one of its important properties that determines its durability and resistance to wear and tear. The hardest materials are used in various industries such as construction, manufacturing, and mining. In this article, we will explore the question, ‘What is the hardest material in the world?’
Diamond
Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring material in the world. It is a form of carbon that is highly valued for its strength, durability, and beauty. Diamond is formed deep within the Earth’s mantle under high temperature and pressure conditions. It is then brought to the surface through volcanic eruptions.
Diamond has a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale, which is a scale of mineral hardness ranging from 1 to 10. The Mohs scale is based on the ability of one mineral to scratch another mineral. Since diamond is the hardest mineral, it can scratch all other minerals.
Diamond is commonly used in jewelry, cutting tools, and industrial applications such as drilling and grinding.
How is diamond formed?
Diamond is formed deep within the Earth’s mantle under high temperature and pressure conditions. It takes millions of years for diamond to form. Carbon atoms are arranged in a crystal lattice structure, which makes diamond the hardest naturally occurring material.
How is diamond measured for its hardness?
Diamond is measured for its hardness using the Mohs scale. The Mohs scale is based on the ability of one mineral to scratch another mineral. Since diamond is the hardest mineral, it can scratch all other minerals.
What are the different types of diamond?
There are two types of diamonds, natural and synthetic. Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth’s mantle, while synthetic diamonds are made in laboratories. Synthetic diamonds have the same chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds.
Other Hard Materials
There are other materials that are also very hard but not as hard as diamond.
Boron Nitride
Boron nitride is a synthetic material that has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale. It is a white, odorless, and non-toxic material that is used in various industrial applications such as high-temperature lubricants, cutting tools, and precision grinding wheels.
Titanium Nitride
Titanium nitride is a hard ceramic material that is used in various applications such as coating for cutting tools, medical implants, and jewelry. It has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale and has a gold color.
Tungsten Carbide
Tungsten carbide is a hard and dense material that is used in various industrial applications such as cutting tools, mining equipment, and wear-resistant parts. It has a hardness of 8.5-9 on the Mohs scale and is made by combining tungsten and carbon.
Cubic Boron Nitride
Cubic boron nitride is a synthetic material that has a hardness of 9.5 on the Mohs scale. It is used in various industrial applications such as cutting tools, grinding wheels, and polishing materials. It is second only to diamond in terms of hardness.
Conclusion
The hardest naturally occurring material in the world is diamond, which has a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale. However, there are other hard materials such as boron nitride, titanium nitride, tungsten carbide, and cubic boron nitride that are also used in various industries.
References
- https://www.geologyin.com/2018/07/top-10-hardest-materials.html
- https://www.livescience.com/32622-whats-the-hardest-material.html
- https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a234/1282796/
FAQs
- Q: Can anything scratch a diamond?
- Q: What is the cost of diamond compared to other hard materials?
- Q: Can synthetic diamonds replace natural diamonds in industrial applications?
- Q: What is the difference between tungsten carbide and tungsten steel?
- Q: What is the difference between boron nitride and cubic boron nitride?
A: No, diamond is the hardest naturally occurring material on the Mohs scale and can only be scratched by another diamond.
A: Diamond is the most expensive of all hard materials due to its rarity and value as a gemstone.
A: Yes, synthetic diamonds have the same properties as natural diamonds and are commonly used in various industrial applications due to their cost-effectiveness and ability to be made in large quantities.
A: Tungsten carbide is a composite material made by combining tungsten and carbon, while tungsten steel is an alloy made by combining tungsten with other metals such as steel, nickel, and copper.
A: Boron nitride is a hexagonal crystal structure, while cubic boron nitride is a cubic crystal structure. Cubic boron nitride is much harder than boron nitride and is second only to diamond in terms of hardness.