The Hardest Naturally Occurring Substance on Earth


Yep - You all know from grammar school that is the diamond, which incidentally is what is used to make the stylus of our turntable cartridges.  If it is so hard, and it is going up against some fairly soft vinyl, why do we worry about poor quality LPs damaging the cartridge or stylus?  Sure, I understand the cantilever, but the actual Stylus?  The old phrase for me is "Does Not Compute".   What are your thoughts and insights?
pgaulke60
dill:

Concave or convex? Worn out ? Moves from left to right, but stays on the bottom?

Please say more...


No amount of dust, grime or grit on an LP is going to wear down a diamond needle, no matter how long you use it. As a previous commenter noted, diamonds are cut using other diamonds because nothing else will work. 
No amount of dust, grime or grit on an LP is going to wear down a diamond needle, no matter how long you use it
Curious then as to what DOES wear down the diamond on our carts in your opinion?
Just the sheer action of grinding through grooves at 11,000 PSI on average?
You do not think dirty records contribute to the wear process in any way, shape or form?