Market Basics » Diamonds   A diamond consists of carbon atoms
which are linked in a regular three-dimensional lattice with a
repeating or crystalline pattern. Diamonds belong to the cubic,
or 'isometric' crystal system. Diamonds are the most popular and
precious of all of the world's gemstones.  Diamonds can also be
created synthetically.  Due to their beauty, which is largely a
result of their ability to refract light, diamonds are often
referred to as "the gem of gems". Diamonds also possess unique
properties, most notably their exceptional hardness, that make
them useful in industrial, medical and scientific applications.
Natural diamonds were formed under very high temperatures
(between 900 and 1300 degrees Celsius) and great pressure.
Carbon atoms combined to crystallise and grow as diamonds within
rocks.  Diamonds are not as rare as marketing agents suggest.
Trading unit  The metric carats denominated in US dollars and
cents. The carat is a unit of mass equal to 200 mg (0.007055
oz).  The carat is div