mineral

Diamond (Macled/Crystal fragment)

Carbon (C), isometric crystal system

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Clear/Colorless (D-Z scale); Luster: Adamantine; Crystal structure: Isometric-Hexoctahedral; Cleavage: Perfect octahedral; Specific gravity: 3.51-3.53

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale)
Color: Clear/Colorless (D-Z scale)
Luster: Adamantine

Identified March 11, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Clear/Colorless (D-Z scale); Luster: Adamantine; Crystal structure: Isometric-Hexoctahedral; Cleavage: Perfect octahedral; Specific gravity: 3.51-3.53

Formation & geological history

Formed at extreme depths (over 100 miles) in the Earth's mantle under high pressure and temperature, then brought to the surface by kimberlite or lamproite volcanic pipes. Age: typically 1 to 3.5 billion years old.

Uses & applications

Mostly used in jewelry as gemstones; industrial-grade pieces are used for cutting, drilling, grinding, and polishing tools due to extreme hardness.

Geological facts

Diamonds are the hardest known natural material. While they appear indestructible, they have a perfect cleavage, meaning they can shatter if struck precisely at the right angle along their grain.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by high luster and inability to be scratched by any other mineral. Found in kimberlite pipes or alluvial deposits (riverbeds). For collectors, look for triangular surface growth marks (trigons).

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