Diamond (or high-refractive faceted gemstone)

Carbon; C

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless (represented); Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Isometric-Hexoctahedral; Cleavage: 111 Perfect octohedral; Specific Gravity: 3.52

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale)
Color: Colorless (represented)
Luster: Adamantine

Identified May 30, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless (represented); Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Isometric-Hexoctahedral; Cleavage: 111 Perfect octohedral; Specific Gravity: 3.52

Formation & geological history

Formed under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions deep within the Earth's mantle (140-190 km deep) and brought to the surface via kimberlite eruptions. Most natural diamonds are between 1 billion and 3.5 billion years old.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in high-end jewelry and industrial applications for cutting, grinding, and drilling due to its extreme hardness.

Geological facts

Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth. While they are often clear, they can naturally occur in many colors including blue, yellow, and red due to chemical impurities or structural defects.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its extreme hardness (cannot be scratched by any other mineral), high refractive index, and specific gravity. High-quality specimens are found in South Africa, Russia, and Canada.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Biotite Schist

Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]

metamorphic

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral