Diamonds questions

Moissanite is regarded as a diamond alternative, with some optical properties exceeding those of diamond. Its lower price and less exploitative mining practices necessary to obtain it make it a popular alternative to diamonds. Due in part to the similar thermal conductivity of moissanite and diamond, it is a popular target for scams; however, higher electrical conductivity and birefringence of moissanite may alert a buyer to fraud.

Cut of diamond does not refer to shape (pear, oval), but the symmetry, proportioning and polish of a diamond. The cut of a diamond greatly affects a diamond's brilliance; this means if it is cut poorly, it will be less luminous. The first guild of diamond cutters and polishers was formed in 1375 in Nuremberg and the first cut was called the point cut.

It is sometimes mistakenly believed that diamonds are made from coals. High pressure and heat is required for the formation of diamonds from carbons, but these carbons are not the ones that form coal. Diamonds are formed deep under the surface and are brought up during outbreaks of volcanoes.