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Why can't diamonds cut steel?

Aug 31, 2024

Diamonds have long been known as the hardest substance on Earth, and they are commonly used in jewelry as well as in various industrial applications. However, one common misconception is that diamonds are able to cut through steel, which is simply not true. In fact, there are several reasons why diamonds are not able to cut through steel.

Firstly, while diamonds are indeed incredibly hard, they are not particularly tough. Hardness refers to a substance's ability to resist scratching, while toughness refers to its ability to withstand fracture or breakage. Diamonds are extremely hard, meaning they are able to scratch nearly any other material, including steel. However, they are not particularly tough, meaning they are brittle and prone to breaking or chipping when put under stress. This makes them unsuitable for cutting through steel, which is a much tougher and more dense material than most other substances.

Secondly, the process of cutting through steel requires not only extreme hardness, but also a certain degree of abrasiveness. Abrasiveness refers to a substance's ability to wear away at another material through friction. While diamonds are indeed abrasive, they are not enough to cut through steel. Steel is too tough and dense for the abrasiveness of diamonds to have much effect, even if they were able to withstand the stress and pressure required to cut through such a material.

Finally, the process of cutting through steel requires a tool that can exert enough force and pressure to overcome the strength of the steel. While diamonds are incredibly hard, they are also relatively small and lightweight. They are not able to provide the leverage and strength necessary to make a significant cut through steel. This is why diamonds are used primarily for cutting softer materials like glass, wood, and other metals that are not as tough as steel.

In conclusion, while diamonds are indeed one of the hardest substances on Earth, they are not able to cut through steel. This is due to a combination of factors, including their lack of toughness, their limited abrasiveness, and their inability to provide the necessary force and pressure to overcome the strength of steel. While diamonds are still incredibly valuable and useful in many applications, they are simply not suited for cutting through this particular material.

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