mineral

Diamond

Native Carbon (C)

Hardness: 10 Mohs, Color: Colorless to yellow/brown/blue/pink, Luster: Adamantine, Crystal Structure: Isometric (Cubic), Cleavage: Perfect octahedral, Specific Gravity: 3.52

Identified June 7, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 10 Mohs, Color: Colorless to yellow/brown/blue/pink, Luster: Adamantine, Crystal Structure: Isometric (Cubic), Cleavage: Perfect octahedral, Specific Gravity: 3.52

Formation & geological history

Formed under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions deep within the Earth's mantle (100+ miles down), then transported to the surface by kimberlite or lamproite volcanic eruptions. Most are 1 billion to 3.3 billion years old.

Uses & applications

Highly prized in jewelry (engagement rings), industrial use for cutting, grinding, and drilling due to extreme hardness, and scientific applications in high-pressure research.

Geological facts

Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring substance known. The name comes from the Greek word 'adamas', meaning unbreakable. Most industrial diamonds are now lab-grown.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its extreme hardness, high refractive index (brilliance), and specific gravity. In nature, usually found in kimberlite pipes or alluvial deposits (riverbeds).