which emulate the natural geological growth of diamond. This involves using high pressure/high temperature (HPHT) synthesis process, which converts the soft graphite carbon into the very hard
crystalline form of carbon - diamond (crystallisation) or direct conversion using explosives to generate short duration pressure and temperature shock waves. An alternative method is chemical
vapour deposition (CVD). Various industries take advantage of diamonds remarkable physical properties. Principal mechanical applications are sawing, drilling, grinding, cutting, lapping and
polishing.