Structures+-+James

__Allotropes of carbon.__ Diamond, Graphite, and C60 (Buckminsterfullerene/Buckyball) __Diamond__ Diamond is the hardest known natural mineral in the world. It is very hard to break and no naturally occurring substances can even scratch it. The hardness and high dispersion of light of diamond make it useful for both industrial applications and jewellery. This is due to its unique structure. Each carbon atom in a diamond structure is bonded covalently to 4 other carbons in a tetrahedral shape. This creates a pyramidal structure of many carbon rings that is extremely hard to break up. Diamond, due to its closed structure, has no valence electrons. This means it cannot conduct at all. __Graphite__ Graphite is another allotrope of carbon. Graphite is formed by individual planes of hexagonal carbon rings