Can a diamond actually break?

A diamond ranks 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it the hardest known natural mineral, but hardness and toughness are different properties. Hardness measures scratch resistance; toughness measures resistance to fracture. Lab-grown diamonds, certified by IGI, share the identical crystal structure as mined diamonds, which means they carry the same vulnerability: a sharp blow along a cleavage plane can split or chip the stone. Corrosive chemicals can also dull or pit the surface over time. In practical terms, everyday wear poses little risk, but dropping a ring onto tile or striking the girdle against a hard edge are the scenarios that cause real damage. The takeaway is straightforward: treat a lab-grown diamond as hard but not indestructible. A well-designed setting that protects the girdle and corners reduces the most common breakage risks significantly.