mineral

Diamond (in a Gold Jewelry Setting)

Carbon (C)

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless to faint yellow/brown; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal structure: Cubic (isometric); Cleavage: Perfect octahedral; Specific gravity: 3.52

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale)
Color: Colorless to faint yellow/brown
Luster: Adamantine

Identified January 23, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless to faint yellow/brown; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal structure: Cubic (isometric); Cleavage: Perfect octahedral; Specific gravity: 3.52

Formation & geological history

Formed at high temperatures and pressures deep within the Earth's mantle (100+ miles below). They are brought to the surface by kimberlite and lamproite pipes. Most diamonds are billions of years old.

Uses & applications

Primary use in high-end jewelry (engagement rings, necklaces); industrial grade diamonds are used for cutting, drilling, and grinding tools due to extreme hardness.

Geological facts

Diamond is the hardest natural substance known on Earth. Many diamonds were formed during the Earth's early history and have undergone immense pressure to crystallize into their current form.

Field identification & locations

Identify by inspecting under 10x magnification for inclusions and facet crispness. Field identification is rare as they are usually found in secondary alluvial deposits (riverbeds) or primary kimberlite pipes in regions like South Africa, Russia, and Canada.