gemstone

Diamond (Cut and Polished)

Carbon (C)

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless to faint yellow/brown; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Isometric-Hexoctahedral; Specific Gravity: 3.51

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale)
Color: Colorless to faint yellow/brown
Luster: Adamantine

Identified July 10, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless to faint yellow/brown; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Isometric-Hexoctahedral; Specific Gravity: 3.51

Formation & geological history

Formed at extremely high pressures and temperatures deep within the Earth's mantle (over 150 km deep), then transported to the surface via kimberlite or lamproite volcanic pipes.

Uses & applications

Primary use in high-end jewelry (rings, earrings, necklaces); industrial applications include cutting, drilling, and grinding tools due to its unmatched hardness.

Geological facts

Diamonds are the hardest known natural substance. The most famous example is the Hope Diamond. They are typically over 1 billion years old.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its brilliance, extreme hardness (can scratch all other materials but cannot be scratched by anything else but another diamond), and high thermal conductivity. Found primarily in Russia, Botswana, and Canada.