Diamante

Diamante is the Italian and Spanish word for diamond, the hardest natural material. Diamonds are crystalline forms of carbon. They form deep in Earth's mantle under high pressure and temperature and are transported to the surface by volcanic activity. Diamonds are valued for their brilliance and durability and have extensive industrial uses in cutting, grinding and drilling tools, as well as in jewelry. Natural diamonds differ from synthetic ones, which are produced by high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods.

Diamante, also called a diamond poem, is a short, shape-based verse that forms a diamond on the page and contrasts two subjects. A common seven-line version uses a 1-2-3-4-3-2-1 word count per line: line 1 names subject A with one word; lines 2 and 3 add descriptors and related terms; line 4 provides a bridge; lines 5 and 6 describe subject B; line 7 names subject B. The form emphasizes conciseness and imagery and is widely used in classrooms to teach vocabulary, grammar and contrasts. Variations exist, but the diamond shape and the A-to-B progression are defining features.

Etymology: "Diamante" is the Italian and Spanish term for diamond, from Latin diamantum, with roots in Greek adámas meaning unbreakable. In English, diamante may refer to either the gemstone or the poetry form, depending on context.