mineral

Diamond

Native Carbon (C)

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless (purest), yellow, brown, blue, green; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal structure: Isometric-Hexoctahedral; Cleavage: Perfect in four directions; Specific gravity: 3.52

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale)
Color: Colorless (purest), yellow, brown, blue, green
Luster: Adamantine

Identified March 13, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions deep within the Earth's mantle (140-190 km). Delivered to the surface through deep-origin volcanic eruptions known as kimberlite or lamproite pipes.

Uses & applications

Primary use in jewelry as a gemstone due to high dispersion and brilliance. Industrial uses include abrasives, cutting tools, drill bits, and heat sinks in high-end electronics.

Geological facts

Diamonds are the hardest known natural material. Most natural diamonds are between 1 billion and 3.5 billion years old. Famous specimens include the Hope Diamond and the Cullinan Diamond.

Field identification & locations

Identify by testing hardness (scratches all other materials), high thermal conductivity, and the presence of 'fire' (dispersion) in cut specimens. Found in primary deposits like kimberlite pipes or secondary alluvial deposits in riverbeds. Collectors look for clarity, color, and carat weight.