Diamond (Cut Specimen)

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless (in this specimen); Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Isometric-Hexoctahedral; Cleavage: Perfect in four directions (octahedral); Specific Gravity: 3.51-3.53

Formed under high pressure and high temperature conditions deep within the Earth's mantle (100+ miles deep). They are brought to the surface via explosive volcanic eruptions that create kimberlite or lamproite pipes. Geological ages range from 1 to 3.5 billion years.

Primary use in jewelry as gemstones; industrial uses include cutting, grinding, and drilling tools due to extreme hardness; used in high-precision scientific instruments and heat sinks for electronics.

Diamonds are the hardest known natural substance. The name comes from the Greek word 'adamas,' meaning unbreakable. Approximately 80% of mined diamonds are used for industrial purposes rather than jewelry.

Field identification of cut stones is difficult without professional equipment. Indicators include high refractive index (brilliance), high thermal conductivity (feels cold and fogs quickly dissipate), and it will scratch all other minerals. Commonly found in secondary alluvial deposits or primary kimberlite pipes in South Africa, Russia, Canada, and Australia.