Diamonds Can Burn
Yes, diamond can burn because it is a crystalline form of carbon. When heated sufficiently in oxygen, carbon oxidizes mainly into carbon dioxide. In air, the reaction requires a very high temperature; the exact value depends on conditions, crystal size and surface, and oxygen supply. In pure oxygen, diamond can ignite at a lower temperature than in ordinary air.
This does not mean a diamond is easy to light with an everyday flame. When heated without oxygen, it can convert to graphite instead of burning. “Burn” here means chemical oxidation of carbon.
