Rough Diamond Characteristics
A rough diamond refers to a diamond that has not yet been cut and polished. Rough diamonds are categorized on their characteristics such as shape, size, color, cuttability and quality. The valuing of rough diamonds requires in-depth knowledge and technical experience, and is quite a business in itself. Does this Spark an idea?
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Shapes
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A diamond is completely made of carbon atoms crystallized in a cubic arrangement. It has numerous arrangements, which give the diamond its shape. Rough diamonds are typically shaped as octahedron, dodecahedron, cube and rhombododecahedron. All of the carbon atoms in a diamond have the same shape, and are arranged in an orderly pattern. The arrangement of carbon atoms in the diamond is reflected in its external shape. The octahedron is the most common shape, which looks like two four-sided pyramids stuck together at their base. Dodecahedron is another common shape, which has 12 faces. Rough diamonds of this shape are less angular in appearance than the octahedron. The faces are smaller and more numerous, and give the appearance of the gem bulging out. Diamonds may also be shaped like a cube, though gem-quality diamonds of this shape are quite rare. In addition, there are whole and irregular-shaped diamonds.
Color and Inclusions
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All diamonds have some distinguishing features on them, known as inclusions, which make each a unique piece. The inclusions may be hollow areas within the diamond, cracks running through the diamond or crystals of other material. Rough diamonds are available in clear to dark brownish or even black colors. Gem quality rough diamonds are usually colorless or have different shades of light yellow, very light tints of brown or grayish tones. These can also be pink, blue, red, green or yellow, though such fancy colors are extremely rare.
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Cuttability
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The natural shape of a rough diamond determines the shape it can be cut in to. Rough diamonds are usually dull before being cut and polished. The cut highlights the stone's optical properties, influences its brilliance and sparkle and determines the price of the finished stone. Some rough stones are naturally oblong and can be cut into marquise, oval- or pear-shaped stones, while some have a near perfect crystal shape, which can be cut into princess or square-cut shapes.
Quality
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Rough diamonds can be either of gem quality or industrial quality. Only about 20 percent of all diamonds mined in the world annually are of gem quality. High quality rough diamonds, which can be used as gems, need to have near flawless clarity and color. The clarity and color of a rough diamond is irrelevant for stones used for industrial purpose. Rough diamonds having too many inclusions, less clarity and poorer color are used in the industry. Stones, which are of the worst quality, are crushed into diamond dust.
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