Diamond (or Cubic Zirconia simulant)

Physical Properties

Hardness: 10 (Diamond) or 8-8.5 (CZ); Color: Colorless; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal structure: Isometric (Cubic); Cleavage: Perfect octahedral (Diamond) or none (CZ).

Formation & Geological History

Natural diamonds form deep within the Earth's mantle under extreme heat and pressure over billions of years, brought to the surface by kimberlite eruptions. Cubic Zirconia is synthetically produced in labs.

Uses & Applications

Primary use in fine jewelry as gemstones; industrial application for cutting, grinding, and drilling due to extreme hardness (natural/synthetic industrial diamonds).

Geological Facts

Diamond is the hardest natural substance known to man. It is a single-element mineral composed entirely of carbon atoms arranged in a face-centered cubic structure.

Field Identification & Locations

Identify via thermal conductivity test or loupe inspection for inclusions. Natural diamonds often have small imperfections, while simulants like CZ are often flawless and show more 'fire' (colorful light dispersion).

Identified on: 4/27/2026

Mode: Standard