钻石是一种结晶矿物，和石墨一样，是由自然界中的碳（化学元素C）组成的。在所有的自然矿物中，钻石具有最高的硬度，尽管钻石是坚硬的，因为它的脆性，它也是易碎的，一个钻石晶体能够很容易被一个铁锤粉碎。在所有物质中，钻石具有最高的热传导性。即使像银和铜这样的金属，他们的热传导性也不及钻石。此外，加热时钻石很难或者根本不会膨胀。在温度高达700℃至800℃时钻石会燃烧。在无氧的环境中，当钻石被加热到1500℃左右时，钻石会转变成碳。

DIAMETER - The width of the diamond as measured through the girdle.

CROWN - The upper portion oa a cut diamond, above the girdle.

TABLE - This is the large, flat top facet of a diamond.

GIRDLE - The narrow rim of a diamond that separates the crown form the pavillion.

PAVILION - The lower portion of the diamond, below the girdle. It is sometimes referred to as the base.

CULET - The tiny on the pointed bottom of the pavillion, which is the portion of a cut diamond below the girdle.

DEPTH - The height of a diamond, from the cutlet to the table.