mineral

Diamond

Native Carbon (C)

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless (as shown) but can be yellow, brown, or blue, Luster: Adamantine, Crystal structure: Isometric-Hexoctahedral, Cleavage: Perfect in four directions, Specific Gravity: 3.52

Identified June 11, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed at high temperatures and pressures at depths of 140 to 190 kilometers in the Earth's mantle. Transported to the surface via deep-source volcanic eruptions called kimberlites and lamproites. Most are 1 to 3.5 billion years old.

Uses & applications

Widely used in jewelry (engagement rings, necklaces), industrial abrasives for cutting, drilling, and grinding, and high-performance heat sinks in electronics.

Geological facts

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

Field identification & locations

Identify using a combination of hardness, high refractive index (brilliance), and thermal conductivity. Commonly found in alluvial deposits or kimberlite pipes in South Africa, Russia, Canada, and Australia.