MadSci Network: Chemistry |
Excellent question! The answer is very simple. In diamond (and graphite) you have a theoretically infinite network of carbon atoms. In practice, of course, it isn't infinite and you have "dangling bonds" at the edges. These bonds normally pick up hydrogen (or hydroxyl, "OH") and so "When you touch a diamond, you're not touching carbon. You're touching a monatomic layer of hydrogen formed at its surface." - Richard Smalley interviewed in Nova program "Race to Catch a Buckyball" yer friendly MadSci admin, Dan Berger
Try the links in the MadSci Library for more information on Chemistry.