mineral

Diamond

Diamond (Pure Carbon, C)

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to faint yellow/brown (can be fancy colors), Luster: Adamantine, Crystal Structure: Cubic/Isometric, Cleavage: Perfect in four directions (octahedral), Specific Gravity: 3.51

Identified May 28, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed under extreme pressure and heat (900-1300°C) at depths of 150-200km in Earth's mantle, brought to the surface by kimberlite and lamproite volcanic eruptions. Most are 1 to 3.5 billion years old.

Uses & applications

Primary use in high-end jewelry (engagement rings, necklaces); industrial uses for cutting, drilling, and grinding due to extreme hardness; applications in heat sinks and quantum computing.

Geological facts

Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring material on Earth. The name originates from the Greek word 'adamas', meaning unbreakable. It is the only gemstone made of a single element (carbon).

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its extreme hardness (cannot be scratched by any other natural material), high refractive index, and presence in kimberlite pipes or alluvial deposits. Found in Russia, Botswana, Canada, and Australia.