mineral

Diamond

Native Carbon (C)

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to faint yellow/brown, Luster: Adamantine, Crystal Structure: Cubic, Cleavage: Perfect octahedral, Specific Gravity: 3.52

Identified May 30, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to faint yellow/brown, Luster: Adamantine, Crystal Structure: Cubic, Cleavage: Perfect octahedral, Specific Gravity: 3.52

Formation & geological history

Formed under extreme high-pressure and high-temperature conditions deep within the Earth's mantle (150-250km deep) over billions of years, transported to surface via volcanic eruptions in kimberlite pipes.

Uses & applications

Primary use in high-end jewelry; industrial uses include cutting, drilling, and grinding tools due to its extreme hardness.

Geological facts

Diamonds are the hardest natural substance known on Earth. Many diamonds are between 1 and 3.5 billion years old. The name comes from the Greek word 'adamas', meaning unbreakable.

Field identification & locations

Identified by light refraction, hardness, and thermal conductivity. Commonly found in South Africa, Russia, Canada, and Australia. Natural diamonds require professional certification to distinguish from cubic zirconia or moissanite.