mineral

Diamond (Faceted)

Diamond (Carbon, C)

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to faint yellow/brown, Luster: Adamantine, Crystal Structure: Cubic, Cleavage: Perfect octahedral, Specific Gravity: 3.51

Identified June 21, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to faint yellow/brown, Luster: Adamantine, Crystal Structure: Cubic, Cleavage: Perfect octahedral, Specific Gravity: 3.51

Formation & geological history

Formed under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions in Earth's mantle, approximately 90 to 120 miles deep. Transported to the surface by deep-origin volcanic eruptions called kimberlite pipes. Most are 1 to 3.5 billion years old.

Uses & applications

Primary use in fine jewelry and gemstones. Industrial uses include cutting, drilling, and grinding tools due to extreme hardness. Also used in high-performance electronics and heat sinks.

Geological facts

Diamond is the hardest known natural substance. The name comes from the Greek 'adamas', meaning invincible. Some meteorites contain nanodiamonds, which predate our solar system.

Field identification & locations

Identify by extreme hardness (scratches all other minerals), high refractive index (brilliance), and thermal conductivity. Commonly found in alluvial deposits or kimberlite pipes in regions like South Africa, Russia, Canada, and Australia.