[Jewelry making - Article 00328] - Re: [Orchid] Diamond cutting

[Bruce Holmgrain]

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>         Does anybody know of any time in history when diamonds were
>     actually "cut", or is this just a complete fiction? 

    Indeed, diamonds are cleaved. This form of stock removal only works
    in a few directions, particularly, parallel to the octahedral faces.
    There is little diamond turned to dust in this way and it is very
    quick. Other forms of stock removal are sawing and grinding. 

    You can try some cleaving yourself with salt, galena or calcite
    crystals. 

    Some years ago, I cleaved a blue topaz through the girdle. That is
    the very thickest direction to split a stone into two parts. Pretty
    amazing, 

    really. The table, being the largest facet is oriented to be nearly
    parallel to one of the cleavage planes because that is the easiest
    way to polish it. 

Bruce D. Holmgrain
http://www.goldwerx.com
guy AT goldwerx.com
JA Certified Master Bench Jeweler / CAD/CAM Solutions

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