mineral

Diamond (or Cubic Zirconia)

C (Carbon) or ZrO2 (Zirconium Dioxide)

Hardness: 10 (Diamond) or 8.0-8.5 (CZ); Color: Colorless; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Isometric; Cleavage: Perfect octahedral (Diamond) or None (CZ); Specific Gravity: 3.52 (Diamond) or 5.6-6.0 (CZ)

Hardness: 10 (Diamond) or 8
Color: Colorless
Luster: Adamantine

Identified February 21, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Natural diamonds form deep within the Earth's mantle under extreme pressure and heat, then are brought to the surface by kimberlite eruptions. Cubic Zirconia is typically lab-grown at temperatures around 4,982°F.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in high-end jewelry, industrial cutting tools, abrasives, and precision optics.

Geological facts

Diamond is the hardest natural substance on Earth. Cubic zirconia was developed as a cheaper, more durable alternative to diamonds for the jewelry market in the 1970s.

Field identification & locations

Identify by testing thermal conductivity or using a jeweler's loupe to look for inclusions; natural diamonds often have tiny flaws while CZ is perfectly clear. Found in kimberlite pipes or lab environments.

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