mineral

Diamond

Diamond (Pure Carbon, C)

Hardness: 10 (hardest known natural substance). Color: colorless/white (appearing faceted in jewelry). Luster: Adamantine. Crystal structure: Isometric-Hexoctahedral. Cleavage: Octahedral. Specific gravity: 3.52.

Hardness: 10 (hardest known natural substance)
Color: colorless/white (appearing faceted in jewelry)
Luster: Adamantine

Identified March 22, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions in Earth's mantle, approximately 100 miles deep. Transported to the surface by kimberlite and lamproite volcanic pipes. Age typically ranges from 1 to 3.5 billion years.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry (as a gemstone) and in industrial applications for cutting, grinding, and drilling tools due to extreme hardness. Also used in high-precision scientific instruments.

Geological facts

Diamonds are composed of a single element: Carbon. The Hope Diamond is one of the most famous specimens, known for its rare blue color and alleged curse. Diamonds were first discovered and mined in India over 2,400 years ago.

Field identification & locations

In the field, look for octahedral (double-pyramid) shapes in kimberlite rock or alluvial deposits. Identification involves testing for hardness and high thermal conductivity. Commonly found in South Africa, Russia, Canada, and Botswana.