mineral

Diamond (in jewelry setting)

Adamantine Carbon (C)

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Typically colorless/white in jewelry, can be yellow/brown; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Isometric-Hexoctahedral (cubic); Cleavage: Perfect octahedral; Specific Gravity: 3.52.

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale)
Color: Typically colorless/white in jewelry, can be yellow/brown
Luster: Adamantine

Identified March 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed under extreme pressure and high temperature conditions in the Earth's mantle, approximately 100 miles below the surface. They are brought to the surface via volcanic eruptions called kimberlite pipes. Most geological specimens are 1 billion to 3.5 billion years old.

Uses & applications

Primary use in fine jewelry (rings, necklaces); industrial uses include cutting tools, drill bits, and abrasives due to extreme hardness.

Geological facts

Diamonds are the hardest known natural substance on Earth. The name comes from the Greek word 'adamas,' meaning unbreakable. They are the only gemstone made of a single chemical element: carbon.

Field identification & locations

In the field, they are identified by their extreme hardness (will scratch any other material), high refractive index (brilliance), and thermal conductivity. Frequently found in alluvial deposits or kimberlite pipes in South Africa, Russia, Canada, and Australia.