gemstone

Diamond (Cut Gemstone)

Natural Carbon (C)

Hardness: 10 Mohs (hardest natural substance). Color: Colorless (in this specimen). Luster: Adamantine. Crystal Structure: Cubic/Isometric. Cleavage: Perfect in four directions. Specific Gravity: 3.52.

Hardness: 10 Mohs (hardest natural substance)
Color: Colorless (in this specimen)
Luster: Adamantine

Identified July 6, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed under extreme high pressure and temperature in the Earth's mantle, approximately 90-120 miles deep. Transported to the surface by deep-origin volcanic eruptions called kimberlite pipes. Geological age usually ranges from 1 to 3.5 billion years.

Uses & applications

Primary use in jewelry (engagement rings, earrings). Industrial applications include cutting, grinding, and drilling tools due to extreme hardness.

Geological facts

Diamonds are the only gemstone made of a single element (carbon). They are nearly 58 times harder than anything else in nature. The 'Four Cs' weighting system (Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat) determines their specific value.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its extreme hardness (cannot be scratched by any other mineral), high refractive index (brilliance), and thermal conductivity. Commonly found in alluvial deposits or kimberlite pipes in Africa, Russia, Canada, and Australia.