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Close-up of a faceted diamond with a small chip along its edge.
Science & Space

Are diamonds unbreakable?

Published

Verdict
False
Verification confidenceHigh

Explanation

No. Diamonds can chip or break. Their exceptional hardness describes resistance to scratching, not immunity to impact damage.

The Gemological Institute of America documents chipped diamonds and explains how impacts can cause fractures along particular crystal directions. The Open University separately distinguishes hardness from toughness, the resistance of a material to breaking.

A diamond's position at the top of the Mohs hardness scale therefore does not make it indestructible. Its shape, vulnerable edges and the direction of an impact can influence damage; the claim does not become true simply because diamond is very hard.

Key takeaway

Scratch resistance does not guarantee resistance to chipping or fracture.

Evidence

Chipped diamonds provide direct counterexamples

Gemological Institute of America

Contradicts the claim

GIA documents chipped diamonds and explains that hard impacts can cause chipping or fracture, including along cleavage planes.

Based on: Gemological Institute of America

Hardness and toughness measure different properties

The Open University

Provides context

The course distinguishes scratch hardness from resistance to breaking and places diamond at 10 on the Mohs scale.

Based on: The Open University

GIA explicitly addresses the unbreakable-diamond myth

Gemological Institute of America

Contradicts the claim

GIA explains that a blow in the right direction can split a diamond and identifies exposed points and edges as vulnerable to chipping.

Based on: Gemological Institute of America

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