Diamonds are cool. Not as engagement rings, but as ultra-dense carbon.
They’re arguably the hardest known substance in the universe. The only things that might be harder are so rare that their hardness can only be tested in simulations. That makes diamond unequaled for cutting. They also have amazing thermal conductivity. All that from a transparent rock is awesome.
Industrial diamonds are pretty useful for cutting.
I think they also have applications in the scientific field, although I’m not sure exactly how.
Diamond anvils
Scribes, cutting and polishing
Coatings for high durability and wear resistance
Windows and containers for laser experiments
Semiconductor research
Physics experiments
This is deeper than it may seem.
Maybe an unpopular take:
Although we have basic needs, of course, like food, housing, and some entertainment, there is no true need for luxury or riches that go beyond our needs and some reasonable wants. The only reason we accumulate stuff is because there’s the notion that success can be measured by our net worth. Yet, this pursuit of material wealth leaves people feeling empty and unfulfilled. It’s a never-ending race for more, with no finish line in sight.
Riches are for those who do not see more meaning in life than being able to measure themselves against someone else’s numbers or having the feeling of “power”, which turns many into unlikeable, bitter jerks.
This proverbial diamond is nice. But it isn’t more than that. /rant
Not shitting ya here. Your comment actually made me think about what useless luxuries I am chasing and what are gimmics or targets that might actually make me more happy in the long run.
I think that tale is much older than modern society.
Everything that’s rare is valuable.
Even experiences are valued that way.k
The dumbest person in stereotypical movies is always the one easily distracted by pretty, shiny things.
