mineral

Diamond (in jewelry setting)

Carbon (C)

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless (in this specimen); Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic); Cleavage: Perfect octahedral; Specific Gravity: 3.52

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale)
Color: Colorless (in this specimen)
Luster: Adamantine

Identified May 28, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless (in this specimen); Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic); Cleavage: Perfect octahedral; Specific Gravity: 3.52

Formation & geological history

Formed deep within the Earth's mantle under extreme pressure and temperature conditions, then transported to the surface by kimberlite or lamproite volcanic eruptions. Most are billions of years old.

Uses & applications

Dominantly used in the jewelry industry for engagement rings and high-end accessories. Also used industrially for cutting, drilling, and grinding due to its extreme hardness.

Geological facts

Diamond is the hardest known natural substance on Earth. It is a solid form of pure carbon with its atoms arranged in a crystal structure called diamond cubic.

Field identification & locations

Identification in the field typically involves testing for hardness and thermal conductivity. Commonly found in secondary alluvial deposits or primary kimberlite pipes in regions like Africa, Russia, and Canada.