FYS: Diamonds

3 Credits.

How has the discovery of diamond shaped human history? Due to its unique Chemical makeup, elegant Crystal structure, unusually low Compressibility, and outrageously high thermal Conductivity, diamond’s physical properties make it the most useful mineral on earth. Class discussions will also cover topics such as geologic formation, diamond mining, the gem industry, causes of color, and modern uses. Class materials will include scientific papers, textbook excerpts, movies, and a field trip to the Smithsonian Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals in DC.