If diamond is the hardest rock on earth (and hard by definition is solid, firm, and resistant to pressure; not easily broken, bent or pierced), and it can break with a hammer
![If a diamond is the hardest material why is it possible to smash it, but it's so difficult to smash a piece of steel? If we made a diamond hammer, will be If a diamond is the hardest material why is it possible to smash it, but it's so difficult to smash a piece of steel? If we made a diamond hammer, will be](https://qph.cf2.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-6b0e66a6192b0893d0c5a96b56c3bdda.webp)
If a diamond is the hardest material why is it possible to smash it, but it's so difficult to smash a piece of steel? If we made a diamond hammer, will be
![TIL that diamond, despite being the hardest material known, will shatter if hit with a hammer. Hardness means resistance to scratching; toughness is a different property. : r/todayilearned TIL that diamond, despite being the hardest material known, will shatter if hit with a hammer. Hardness means resistance to scratching; toughness is a different property. : r/todayilearned](https://external-preview.redd.it/qU5u2xoja35cEQy2H9jY4_MzwaFJQ4TRmqMz4s_uGTM.jpg?auto=webp&s=035cb439ecb3b2a694e318b3a3d4ebd4d5483247)