mineral

Diamond

Cubic Carbon (C)

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Typically colorless but can be yellow, brown, or blue; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal structure: Cubic; Cleavage: Perfect octahedral; Specific gravity: 3.52

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale)
Color: Typically colorless but can be yellow, brown, or blue
Luster: Adamantine

Identified January 23, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Typically colorless but can be yellow, brown, or blue; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal structure: Cubic; Cleavage: Perfect octahedral; Specific gravity: 3.52

Formation & geological history

Formed deep within the Earth's mantle under conditions of extreme heat (above 1,200 °C) and high pressure (over 45 kilobars). They are delivered to the surface via deep-seated volcanic eruptions through kimberlite and lamproite pipes, often dating back 1 to 3.5 billion years.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in high-end jewelry for engagement rings and decorative pieces. Due to its hardness, it is also essential in industrial applications for cutting, grinding, and drilling tools, as well as in heat sinks for advanced electronics.

Geological facts

Diamonds are the hardest natural substance known on Earth. Famous specimens include the Cullinan and the Hope Diamond. Despite their hardness, they are not unbreakable; they can be shattered with a heavy blow because of their crystalline cleavage.

Field identification & locations

In the field, it is identified by its intense brilliance (refraction), extreme hardness (it will scratch any other material and cannot be scratched by glass or steel), and its occurrence in kimberlite pipes or alluvial deposits. Common locations include South Africa, Russia, Canada, and Australia.