mineral

Diamond (Green tinted)

Carbon (C) with trace impurities or lattice defects

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Light green to yellow-green; Luster: Adamantine (brilliant); Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic); Cleavage: Perfect octahedral in four directions; Specific Gravity: 3.51–3.53

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale)
Color: Light green to yellow-green
Luster: Adamantine (brilliant)

Identified March 25, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed under extreme pressure and high temperature at depths of 140–190 kilometers in the Earth's mantle; brought to the surface via kimberlite or lamproite volcanic eruptions. Green color is often caused by exposure to natural radiation over millions of years.

Uses & applications

Primary use in fine jewelry as a gemstone; industrial uses include cutting, grinding, and drilling due to extreme hardness; high-tech applications in heat sinks and specialized optics.

Geological facts

Natural green diamonds are among the rarest colors. Their color is often skin-deep, meaning it can be lost during the faceting and polishing process if the radiation didn't penetrate the entire stone. The Dresden Green is the most famous example of this type.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by high refractive index (brilliance/fire) and its ability to scratch any other material. Commonly found in alluvial deposits or kimberlite pipes in locations like South Africa, Russia, and Australia. Collectors look for 'fancy' color certification.

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