Since I’ve been diving deep into Jenna Hart’s world and she just happens to be a jeweler, I thought you might enjoy some real gemstone facts that could surprise you. This month, let’s talk about everyone’s favorite sparkler – diamonds! And a diamond figures pretty strongly in Tick Tock Dead. It’s even on the cover.

Here’s something that might blow your mind: diamonds can actually break, chip, and even shatter. I know, I know – they’re the hardest thing on Earth at a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale, right? But here’s the thing my mom taught me back when we were both working the jewelry bench – hardness and toughness are totally different beasts.

Think of it this way: hardness means “good luck trying to scratch me,” while toughness means “good luck trying to break me.” Diamonds are champions at the first but surprisingly vulnerable with the second. They have these natural weak spots called cleavage planes – basically built-in fault lines where the crystal structure makes them want to split. Hit a diamond just right along one of these planes, and crack – you can cleave it clean in half. That’s actually how diamond cutters have been shaping rough stones for centuries!

And those gorgeous pointed ends or corners on marquise, square or pear-shaped diamonds? Total chip magnets.

The funny thing is, some “softer” stones are actually tougher for everyday wear. Jade sits at only 6-7 on the Mohs scale, but good luck breaking that stuff – its interlocking crystal structure makes it incredibly resilient.

Who knows? What will Jenna will run into in her next book? Maybe pearls?

~ Happy reading!Your resident gem nerd and mystery writer, L.A.