mineral

Raw Diamond

Diamond (pure Carbon, C)

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Pale yellow-brown to colorless; Luster: Adamantine to greasy (in raw form); Crystal structure: Isometric-hexoctahedral; Cleavage: Perfect octahedral; Specific gravity: 3.51

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale)
Color: Pale yellow-brown to colorless
Luster: Adamantine to greasy (in raw form)

Identified March 14, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed under extreme pressure and temperature in the Earth's mantle (150-250 km deep), then transported to the surface via volcanic pipes called kimberlites. Most diamonds range from 1 to 3.5 billion years in age.

Uses & applications

Used in high-end jewelry for gemstones and industrially for cutting, grinding, and drilling tools due to extreme hardness. Also used in heat sinks for electronics.

Geological facts

Diamonds are the hardest known natural material. While often associated with white/colorless, most raw diamonds found in nature have a yellowish or brownish tint like the specimen in the image.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its 'unscratchable' nature, adamantine luster when cleaned, and unique crystal shapes like octahedrons. Found mainly in South Africa, Russia, Canada, and Australia. Collectors should look for 'glassy' lusters and high density.