mineral

Diamond (Set in jewelry)

Cubic Carbon (C)

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless (in this specimen); Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Isometric-hexoctahedral (cubic); Cleavage: Perfect in four directions; Specific Gravity: 3.51–3.53

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale)
Color: Colorless (in this specimen)
Luster: Adamantine

Identified March 24, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions in the Earth's mantle (approx. 150-200km deep) and brought to the surface via kimberlite or lamproite volcanic eruptions. Most natural diamonds are between 1 billion and 3.5 billion years old.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in high-end jewelry (round brilliant cut as shown) and industrially for cutting, drilling, and grinding due to its extreme hardness.

Geological facts

Diamond is the hardest known natural substance. The specimen shown in the image appears to be a round brilliant cut stone in a six-prong 'Tiffany' style stud setting.

Field identification & locations

In the field, raw diamonds are often found in kimberlite pipes or alluvial deposits. Identification in jewelry involves checking for 'fire' (dispersion), sharp facet edges, and high thermal conductivity using a diamond tester. Real diamonds will not show wear or scratches on the surface like glass or lower-hardness simulants.