mineral

Diamond (in jewelry setting)

Diamond (Carbon, C)

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless to white-grey; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Isometric-Hexoctahedral; Cleavage: Perfect in four directions; Specific Gravity: 3.5–3.53

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale)
Color: Colorless to white-grey
Luster: Adamantine

Identified February 24, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless to white-grey; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Isometric-Hexoctahedral; Cleavage: Perfect in four directions; Specific Gravity: 3.5–3.53

Formation & geological history

Formed deep in the Earth's mantle under extreme pressure and temperature conditions over 1 to 3 billion years, then transported to the surface by deep-origin volcanic eruptions (kimberlite or lamproite pipes).

Uses & applications

Primary use in fine jewelry and gemstones; industrial use in cutting, drilling, and grinding tools due to supreme hardness; high-end scientific and electronics applications.

Geological facts

Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth. Most natural diamonds are between 1 billion and 3.5 billion years old. Famous specimens include the Hope Diamond and the Cullinan Diamond.

Field identification & locations

In the field/jewelry, identify by its high refractive index (brilliance), thermal conductivity (feels cool/distributes heat fast), and inability to be scratched by other minerals. Most common sources are in Russia, Botswana, and Canada.

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