diamond

[mibn2cweus]

Is a diamond a metamorphic rock/

[mjd]

Yes

[Andy2306]

yes it is coal which is under immense amounts of heat and pressure which after millions of years make diamonds

[Catso]

Surely it is disputable whether it is a rock, in the conventional sense. Perhaps more accurately, it is a mineral.

Coal is an amalgum of substances (carbon and tars, plus others). Diamonds (quality ones, anyway) are almost pure, crystalline carbon, with only traces of other elements.

[dawkins]

I agree with Catso. Diamonds are not rocks and I don't think Metamorphic rocks are even diamond bearing. Diamonds are found in igneous kimberlite or lamproite rock

[kuhugaq]

carbon-graphite derived,hence mineral

[mibn2cweus]

Note: This question was submitted by a friend in my absence and without my prior knowledge. I am in affect acting as a respondent to the question. I deny impartiality but hope to maintain objectivity in as much as this is possible in offering all the support I can on behalf of my friends position. Perhaps the best I can hope for is to prove that it is not incorrect (albeit debatable) to say that �diamond is a metamorphic rock�. Having thus provided due candor I now enter this debate.

A mineral may be broadly defined as any substance other than animal or vegetable, (mineral water), but is more narrowly defined as a naturally occurring solid homogeneous inorganic substance of a definite chemical composition and crystalline structure. A diamond, once cut and polished, would loose its status as a mineral where a mineral is so narrowly defined. However, it appears that no one so far would disagree that a raw diamond is indisputably a mineral, by either definition.

Rocks are sometimes defined as, �usually� or �typically possessing two or more minerals�, but in other definitions, �. . . of one or more minerals . . .�

{"A consolidated or unconsolidated aggregate of minerals or organic materials". (Oxford Dictionary of Earth Sciences). Rocks can be made of a single type of mineral, or more than one mineral.}
http://www.sedgwickmuseum.org/education/glossa ry.html

I found this definition there as well, �Quartzite: a rock made entirely of the mineral quartz.�

These definitions do not exclude diamonds as rocks. Alternatively, here it states in simple English, �Diamonds are made deep in the earth, where there is an intense amount of pressure and heat that makes the diamond form. (This makes the diamond a metamorphic rock.)�

[mibn2cweus]

Here are several more opinions, (some mildly amusing).

No doubt, I am between a rock and a hard place, so if anyone can help me it would be much appreciated. Thanks for all the replies from everyone thus far. I welcome everyone�s opinion on this matter.