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Question

Why does diamond have a much higher hardness compared to graphite?

This question was previously asked in
RRB Technician 2026 Grade 3 Question Paper (7-Oct-2026) (Shift 3)
The correct answer is

Diamond has a three-dimensional network with strong bonds

In diamond each carbon atom is covalently bonded to four other carbon atoms in a tetrahedral arrangement, forming a rigid three-dimensional network.

Breaking this network needs breaking many strong C–C bonds, so diamond is the hardest natural substance.

In graphite each carbon bonds to three others in flat hexagonal layers held together by weak van der Waals forces; the layers slide over each other, so graphite is soft — it has no metallic bonding or flexible chains.

Hence, diamond is harder because diamond has a three-dimensional network with strong bonds.

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