mineral

Raw Diamond

Carbon (C)

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Dirty brown/gray/translucent, Luster: Adamantine to greasy, Crystal structure: Isometric-hexoctahedral, Cleavage: Octahedral, Specific gravity: 3.5–3.53

Identified April 10, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Dirty brown/gray/translucent, Luster: Adamantine to greasy, Crystal structure: Isometric-hexoctahedral, Cleavage: Octahedral, Specific gravity: 3.5–3.53

Formation & geological history

Formed under high temperature and pressure in the Earth's mantle, approximately 90 to 120 miles deep. Transported to the surface by kimberlite and lamproite volcanic eruptions. Ages range from 1 to 3.5 billion years.

Uses & applications

Industrial cutting tools, abrasives, jewelry (after cutting/polishing), and high-pressure scientific research.

Geological facts

Raw diamonds often look like ordinary pebbles until cleaned; they are the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth and are composed of a single element (carbon).

Field identification & locations

Identify by extreme hardness (scratches all other minerals), greasy luster, and typical octahedral or rounded dodecahedral forms. Commonly found in kimberlite pipes or alluvial deposits in riverbeds.