gemstone
Diamond (Cut Gemstones in Jewelry)
Carbon (C)
Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless to brownish-yellow; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal structure: Cubic; Specific gravity: 3.52
- Hardness
- 10 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Colorless to brownish-yellow
- Luster
- Adamantine
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Physical properties
Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless to brownish-yellow; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal structure: Cubic; Specific gravity: 3.52
Formation & geological history
Formed under high temperature and high pressure conditions deep in the Earth's mantle, typically at depths of 150-200 kilometers, and brought to the surface by kimberlite eruptions.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in fine jewelry (rings, bracelets, necklaces) and industrial applications for cutting, grinding, and drilling due to its extreme hardness.
Geological facts
Diamonds are the hardest natural substance on Earth. The gemstone in the image appears to be set in a tennis-style bracelet, which gained fame after Chris Evert's match in 1987.
Field identification & locations
Identify by high refractive index, extreme hardness (scratches all other minerals), and thermal conductivity. Often found in primary kimberlite pipes or secondary alluvial deposits.
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