mineral

Diamond

Native Carbon (C)

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Typically colorless but can be yellow, brown, or blue; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal structure: Isometric (Cubic); Cleavage: Perfect in four directions; Specific Gravity: 3.51

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale)
Color: Typically colorless but can be yellow, brown, or blue
Luster: Adamantine

Identified January 22, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions in the Earth's mantle, approximately 100 miles underground, and brought to the surface via kimberlite volcanic eruptions. Most are 1 to 3 billion years old.

Uses & applications

Primary use in fine jewelry; industrial applications include cutting, drilling, and grinding tools due to extreme hardness; used in high-tech optics and heat sinks.

Geological facts

Diamond is the hardest natural substance known on Earth. The name originates from the Greek word 'adamas', meaning unbreakable. Famous specimens include the Hope Diamond and the Cullinan Diamond.

Field identification & locations

In the field, it is identified by its extreme hardness (cannot be scratched by any other mineral) and its high refractive index (brilliance). Found primarily in kimberlite pipes or alluvial deposits in regions like South Africa, Russia, Canada, and Australia.