mineral

Diamond

Carbon (C)

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless (common) to various hues, Luster: Adamantine, Crystal structure: Cubic (Isometric), Cleavage: Perfect octahedral, Specific gravity: 3.52

Identified May 30, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless (common) to various hues, Luster: Adamantine, Crystal structure: Cubic (Isometric), Cleavage: Perfect octahedral, Specific gravity: 3.52

Formation & geological history

Formed under extreme pressure and temperature in Earth's mantle, approximately 150-200 kilometers deep, and brought to the surface by kimberlite eruptions. Geological age ranges from 1 to 3 billion years.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry as a gemstone and in industry for cutting, drilling, and grinding tools due to its extreme hardness.

Geological facts

Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth. Most diamonds found today were delivered to the surface by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its high refractive index (brilliance), extreme hardness (scratches all other materials), and heat conductivity. Commonly found in kimberlite pipes or secondary alluvial deposits.