Allotropic substances: diamond and graphite. The formula of graphite and diamond.

Everyone knows substances such as graphite and diamond. Graphite is found everywhere. For example, rods for simple pencils are made from it. Graphite is a very affordable and cheap substance. But such a substance as diamond is very different from graphite. Diamond is the most expensive stone, very rare and transparent, unlike graphite. This is hard to believe, but the chemical formula of graphite coincides with the diamond formula. In this article, we will analyze how this is possible.

Graphite: history and properties of mineral

The history of graphite counts thousands of years, so the exact year of its application is extremely difficult to establish. Graphite is famous for its good electrical current. In addition, this mineral is very fragile. Therefore, rods for pencils are made from it.

The chemical properties of the mineral include the formation of inclusion compounds with many substances, such as salts and alkali metals. The mineral does not dissolve in acids.

The graphite formula is C, that is, it is one of the allotropic modifications of the famous sixth element of the periodic table - carbon.

Diamond: History and Properties of Mineral

The history of diamond is very unusual. It is believed that the first diamond was found in India. At that time, mankind could not understand the full strength of this stone. Geologists only knew that this stone is very solid and durable. Until the 15th century diamonds cost much less than emeralds and rubies. And only then the unknown jeweler in the process of working with the stone gave him a beautiful cut, which was later called a diamond cut. That's when the stone showed itself in all its glory.

Mostly diamonds are used in industry. This mineral is the most durable in the whole world, that's why it makes abrasives, cutters for processing durable metals and much more.

As we already know, the graphite formula in chemistry is C, the same formula has a diamond.

Differences between diamond and graphite

Despite the fact that minerals have similar chemical formulas, they sharply differ from each other both in appearance and chemically.

First of all, diamond and graphite have a completely different structure. After all, graphite consists of a grid of hexagons, whereas a diamond has a cubic crystal structure. The fragility of graphite is due to the fact that the connection between its layers is very easy to break, its atoms are quietly separated from each other. Because of this, graphite easily absorbs light, it is very dark, unlike diamond.

The structure of diamond differs in that one carbon atom is surrounded by four more atoms in the form of a tetrahedral triangle or pyramid. Each atom is at the same distance from each other. The bond between the atoms is very strong, which is why the diamond is so solid and strong. Another property of a diamond is that it can carry light, unlike graphite.

Is it strange that the graphite formula coincides with the diamond formula, but the minerals are completely different? No! After all, a diamond is created by nature under enormous pressure, and then by very rapid cooling, whereas graphite occurs 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 fundamentals, which makes it possible to distinguish substances from each other.

In school, allotropic substances are studied using graphite and diamond as well as their differences. So, after studying the differences between diamond and graphite, one 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 refer to the same chemical element.

Obtaining diamond from graphite

The graphite-C-formula allowed scientists to perform many experiments, as a result of which allotropic substances of graphite were found.

Teachers tell both students and students about how scientists tried to create diamonds from graphite. This story is very interesting and fascinating, and also it allows you to remember about the existence of such allotropic substances as graphite and diamond, and about their differences.

Some time ago, scientists tried to create diamonds from graphite. They believed that if the formula of diamond and graphite is the same, they can create a diamond, because the stone is very expensive and rare. Now we know that a diamond mineral appears in nature under high pressure and instant cooling. Therefore, scientists decided to blow up the graffiti, thereby creating the necessary conditions for diamond formation. And in fact a miracle happened, after the explosion on graphite very small crystals of diamond were formed.

The use of graphite and diamond

To date, both graphite and diamond are mainly used in industry. But about 10% of all diamond mining goes to jewelry. Most often, pencils are made from graphite, as it is very brittle and brittle, leaving traces.