Atomic and molecular configurations come in a near-infinite number of possible combinations, but the specific combinations found in any material determine its properties. While diamonds are classically viewed as the hardest material found on Earth, they are neither the strongest material overall nor even the strongest naturally occurring material. There are, at present, six types of materials that are known to be stronger, although that number is expected to increase as time goes onwards. (MAX PIXEL)

There Are 6 ‘Strongest Materials’ On Earth That Are Harder Than Diamonds

If you thought that diamonds were the hardest things of all, this will have you thinking again.

Carbon is one of the most fascinating elements in all of nature, with chemical and physical properties unlike any other element. With just six protons in its nucleus, it’s the lightest abundant element capable of forming a slew of complex bonds. All known forms of life are carbon-based, as its atomic properties enable it to link up with up to four other atoms at a time. The possible geometries of those bonds also enable carbon to self-assemble, particularly under high pressures, into a stable crystal lattice. If the conditions are just right, carbon atoms can form a solid, ultra-hard structure known as a diamond.

Although diamonds commonly known as the hardest material in the world, there are actually six materials that are harder. Diamonds are still one of the hardest naturally occurring and abundant materials on Earth, but these six materials all have it beat.

The web of the Darwin’s bark spider is the largest orb-type web produced by any spider on Earth, and the silk of the Darwin’s bark spider is the strongest of any type of spider silk. The longest single strand is measured at 82 feet; a strand that circled the entire Earth would weigh a mere 1 pound. (CARLES LALUEZA-FOX, INGI AGNARSSON, MATJAŽ KUNTNER, TODD A. BLACKLEDGE (2010))

Honorable mention: there are three terrestrial materials that aren’t quite as hard as…