SNC 1D1 – Charcoal to Diamonds Charcoal

1. SNC 1D1 – Charcoal to Diamonds Charcoal charcoal, pencil lead and diamonds are all made of carbon. these materials differ in terms of how the carbon atoms are arranged . carbon atoms can join with each other almost indefinitely. when carbon atoms arrange themselves randomly a disorganized arrangement of carbon atoms forms a soft black solid – like charcoal. Charcoal is 98 % carbon mixed with 2% ash.

2. Graphite • graphite is more organized than charcoal. • graphite consists of interconnected hexagonal sheets of carbon. • These flat sheets are loosely layered on top of one another and can easily be separated. • The carbon structure of graphite also makes it a good electrical conductor.

3. Diamonds • Under conditionsof extremely high temperature and pressure carbon atoms will arrange themselves into regular three dimensional patterns. • This arrangement is strongly reinforced and diamonds are remarkably hard. • Diamonds are also very dense the atoms closely packed. • Diamonds have a very high index of refraction and can bend light very easily when properly cut. • This three-dimensional structure doesn’t allow the free flow of electrons.

6. Diamond Mining in Canada • The Klondike Gold rush in the 1890s was one of the first great mineral finds in Canada. • In the 1980’s diamonds were discovered by a Canadian geologist called Charles (Chuck) Fipke. • More than ten million carats of Canadian diamonds are produced each year in mines in Canada’s northwest territories. • Canada has become the world’s third largest diamond producer. • The diamond industry in Canada employs many people especially in northern Canada but it has had negative consequences on sensitive arctic ecosystems and it has brought some social unrest to some communities.

7. Canadian diamonds are promoted as “conflict free” diamonds. • Some diamonds mined in Africa are sold by groups to finance weapons purchases and fund wars. These are called “blood diamonds”. Homework: Page 244 #1 - 6