mineral

Diamond

Diamond (pure Carbon, C)

Hardness: 10 Mohs; Color: Colorless (as shown), yellow, brown, or pink; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal structure: Isometric-Hexoctahedral; Cleavage: Perfect octahedral; Specific gravity: 3.5-3.53

Hardness: 10 Mohs
Color: Colorless (as shown), yellow, brown, or pink
Luster: Adamantine

Identified May 24, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 10 Mohs; Color: Colorless (as shown), yellow, brown, or pink; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal structure: Isometric-Hexoctahedral; Cleavage: Perfect octahedral; Specific gravity: 3.5-3.53

Formation & geological history

Formed under intense heat and pressure roughly 100 miles below the Earth's mantle over 1 to 3 billion years ago, then brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions in kimberlite pipes.

Uses & applications

Primary use in high-end jewelry (engagement rings) and industrial applications for cutting, grinding, and drilling due to extreme hardness.

Geological facts

Diamond is the hardest natural substance known on Earth. Famous specimens include the Hope Diamond and the Cullinan Jewel.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its extreme hardness (cannot be scratched by others) and high refractive index. Most commonly found in kimberlite and lamproite pipes or alluvial deposits in Africa, Russia, and Canada.