Week 8 | Nanotechnology and Art | Asha Agarwal

Diamonds are arguably one of the most beautiful and precious items on earth, at least according to the jewelry business. Diamonds express love and loyalty, commitment and caring, and possess a remarkable power to make people swoon. They are famously called a “girl’s best friend” for a reason, demonstrated by Marilyn Monroe’s portrayal of Lorelei Lee (Hills).


Robson, David. “How to Make a Diamond from Scratch - with Peanut Butter - BBC Future.” BBC News, https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20141106-the-man-who-makes-diamonds.

What is greater still is the fact that diamonds are essentially just compressed carbon, one of the most abundant atoms on the planet (Bizenman). Carbon, 6 electrons and an atomic mass of 12, holds the secret to the glory of diamonds. The geometric shapes that carbon atoms create through carbon-carbon bonding underlie the incredible strength, durability, and beauty of this precious gem (Gimzewski). The carbon lattice that makes up a diamond, shown below, is a prime example of such an intersection between nanoparticles and art as atoms are too minuscule to be seen, even under fine microscopes.


Mahmood, Tasvir. “Giant Ionic Lattice, Giant Covalent Structure and Giant Metallic Structure.” IGCSE And IAL Chemistry, 27 Nov. 2021, https://igcseandialchemistry.com/giant-chemical-structures/.

In addition, carbon itself and the bond structures it makes can drastically change the material it is able to produce. The same singular type of atom can create diamond and graphite all the same, the main difference simply being the lattice structure (“Diamond”). A diamond is defined by its face-centered cubic structure, giving it its unique properties and artistic creation (Helmenstine).


“1 CT. Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold (K/i3).” Zales, https://www.zales.com/1-ct-diamond-solitaire-engagement-ring-14k-white-gold-ki3/p/V-19416460.

Diamonds are incredibly gorgeous, classy, and sophisticated, and are all thanks to carbon, pressure, and nanotechnology. Partners propose with diamond rings and celebrate spouses with diamond earrings and necklaces for every birthday that passes because of all the glittery glamour they bring to our lives. Each piece is a work of art. They make us feel beautiful and special, and nanotechnology helps us get there.


References:

Bixenman, Emma. “The Truth about Diamonds: 15 Facts You Didn't Know.” Brilliant Earth Blog, 25 Feb. 2022, https://www.brilliantearth.com/news/15-amazing-facts-about-diamonds/#:~:text=What%20is%20a%20diamond%20known,diamond's%20surface%20is%20another%20diamond.

“Diamond.” Diamond - Molecule of the Month, http://www.bris.ac.uk/Depts/Chemistry/MOTM/diamond/diamond.htm#:~:text=Diamond%20is%20composed%20of%20the,both%20composed%20of%20just%20carbon.

Helmenstine, Anne Marie. “Everything You Need to Know about the Structure of Diamonds.” ThoughtCo, 7 July 2019, https://www.thoughtco.com/chemistry-of-diamond-602110.

Hills, Megan C. “Remember When Marilyn Monroe Declared Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend?” CNN Style, 16 Jan. 2022, https://www.cnn.com/style/article/marilyn-monroe-diamonds-are-a-girls-best-friend/index.html.

Gimzewski, James. “Lecture II” Nanotechnology+Art | Lectures. https://bruinlearn.ucla.edu/courses/129896/pages/unit-8-view?module_item_id=4852544.

Comments

  1. elinaMay 21, 2022 at 11:21 AM

    Hi Asha- I really like how you connected diamonds to nanotechnology and how it is related to art. On the contrast, I talked about the negative side of nanoparticles, but your blog reminded of its good side. In fact, I have a diamond ring that has sentimental value and it's something that feels a part of me. Like you said, it is a beautiful piece of art that makes us feel special and holds value in ways that aren't just money. Great example of what nanotechnology can use for, very nicely put!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Chayanne_Melwood_Desma9May 21, 2022 at 2:04 PM

    Hi Asha,
    I really enjoyed how your entire blog post is centered around diamonds. It had a very good flow, first starting off with how diamonds look, how everyone admires them then moving into what diamonds are made up of. Diamonds are beautiful and all the different colors, cuts, and forms they come in is truly amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Danielie RamirezMay 22, 2022 at 8:14 PM

    I thoroughly enjoyed reading your input on the relationship between nanotechnology and art. I particularly found interest in your commentary on the sentimental value that diamonds hold. Your choice of highlighting that it is a symbol of commitment and badge of sophistication draws an intriguing correlation between culture and nanotechnology. It is amazing to think that something that can make us feel so special can be simplified down to bond structures.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ethan FlanaganMay 22, 2022 at 8:34 PM

    Hi Asha, I really enjoyed reading your blog post on nanotechnology and art. I found it interesting how you brought up diamonds and how they are broken down into nanoparticles. Also, I liked how you tied diamonds into art how they are admired by everyone for their beauty.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Joana (my display name doesn't show for some reason)May 22, 2022 at 11:42 PM

    Hi Asha, I really appreciated your accurate description of diamond's crystal structure (I'm a materials major don't hate on me lol). I also appreciate your commentary on how pretty diamonds are and how that's connected to their structure. Thank you

    ReplyDelete

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