Do diamonds burn?

looney_tunes

Yes. They require amazing temperatures, but being carbon they can combine with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide. http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/chem00/chem00202.htm According to one answer at this not really reliable site, it burns at 800 degrees Centigrade (1472 degrees Farenheit). http://wiki.answers.com/Q/At_what_temperature_does_diamond_burn In fact, it seems that it can be a serious problem for jewelers! The temperatures needed to prepare the settings can be high enough to cause the diamonds to combust unless precautions are taken. http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/422319 Apr 23 10, 4:46 AM

star_gazer

If you are really desperate, you can always take a blowtorch to it. Diamonds burn at about 700-900C in atmospheric air at sea level. Cubic Zirconium is 2750C. Your average propane or butane fueled blowtorch is going to cap out at about 1900-2000C. Unless of course you are semi-suicidal (or a very skilled welder) and use an oxygen torch, which reaches a max temp of about 2850C. That will pretty much burn or melt most substances. FYI, this test isn't going to leave you with much diamond left if it turns out to be a legit mineral, just throwing that out there though. http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/1796640 Apr 23 10, 5:23 AM