mineral
Diamond (in jewelry setting)
Diamond (Carbon, C)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless to white-grey; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Isometric-Hexoctahedral; Cleavage: Perfect in four directions; Specific Gravity: 3.5–3.53
- Hardness
- 10 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Colorless to white-grey
- Luster
- Adamantine
Identified More mineral →
Explore Diamond (in jewelry setting) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless to white-grey; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Isometric-Hexoctahedral; Cleavage: Perfect in four directions; Specific Gravity: 3.5–3.53
Formation & geological history
Formed deep in the Earth's mantle under extreme pressure and temperature conditions over 1 to 3 billion years, then transported to the surface by deep-origin volcanic eruptions (kimberlite or lamproite pipes).
Uses & applications
Primary use in fine jewelry and gemstones; industrial use in cutting, drilling, and grinding tools due to supreme hardness; high-end scientific and electronics applications.
Geological facts
Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth. Most natural diamonds are between 1 billion and 3.5 billion years old. Famous specimens include the Hope Diamond and the Cullinan Diamond.
Field identification & locations
In the field/jewelry, identify by its high refractive index (brilliance), thermal conductivity (feels cool/distributes heat fast), and inability to be scratched by other minerals. Most common sources are in Russia, Botswana, and Canada.
