mineral

Diamond (Cut jewelry specimen)

Diamond (pure Carbon, C)

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless (center), Yellow/Champagne (accents); Luster: Adamantine (brilliant); Crystal Structure: Isometric-hexoctahedral; Specific Gravity: 3.51

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale)
Color: Colorless (center), Yellow/Champagne (accents)
Luster: Adamantine (brilliant)

Identified March 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless (center), Yellow/Champagne (accents); Luster: Adamantine (brilliant); Crystal Structure: Isometric-hexoctahedral; Specific Gravity: 3.51

Formation & geological history

Formed under immense pressure and heat deep within Earth's mantle (over 150km deep) and transported to the surface via kimberlite or lamproite volcanic pipes. Age typically ranges from 1 to 3.5 billion years.

Uses & applications

Primary use in fine jewelry as a gemstone due to high dispersion and brilliance; also used industrially for cutting, drilling, and grinding tools due to extreme hardness.

Geological facts

Diamond is the hardest natural substance known to man. It is four times harder than the next hardest mineral, corundum. The term 'diamond' is derived from the Greek word 'adamas', meaning invincible.

Field identification & locations

Identification in the field is through high thermal conductivity, unique adamantine luster, and the ability to scratch any other material. Typically found in primary kimberlite deposits or secondary alluvial (river) deposits worldwide, notably in Africa, Russia, and Canada.

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