mineral

Diamond (in jewelry setting)

Diamond (Native Carbon, C)

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to faint yellow/brown, Luster: Adamantine, Crystal Structure: Isometric-Hexoctahedral, Cleavage: Perfect in four directions, Specific Gravity: 3.51-3.53

Identified April 1, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to faint yellow/brown, Luster: Adamantine, Crystal Structure: Isometric-Hexoctahedral, Cleavage: Perfect in four directions, Specific Gravity: 3.51-3.53

Formation & geological history

Formed deep within the Earth's mantle under extreme pressure and high temperatures, then transported to the surface by kimberlite or lamproite volcanic eruptions. Most are 1 to 3.5 billion years old.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in high-end jewelry, industrial cutting/grinding/drilling tools due to its extreme hardness, and as heat sinks in electronics.

Geological facts

Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth. While they are famous for being colorless, they can occur in various colors (blue, green, pink) due to impurities or structural defects, which can significantly increase their value.

Field identification & locations

Identification includes testing for high thermal conductivity and refractive index. In the field, look for octahedral crystal forms in kimberlite pipes or alluvial deposits. Always use a professional diamond tester for cut stones.

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