diamond industrial 1997 23 1 d iamond i ndustrial by ronald f balazik although best known for its spectacular gem qualities also has unique properties that make it ideal many and research applications in fact as the hardest substance more than twice hard competitors been used centuries 2 a grinding drilling cutting polish ing tool spear dismuks 1994 today grade ie does not meet quality standards color clarity size or shape continues to be principally an abrasive despite initial cost boucher even though is expensive competing materials proven effective numerous processes because cuts faster lasts longer any rival addition utility other exceptional including chemical electrical optical thermal characteristics material available industry special lenses heat sinks circuits wire drawing advanced technologies both synthetic manufactured natural have uses however