mineral
Diamond (in jewelry)
Carbon (C)
Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless (as seen), Luster: Adamantine, Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic), Cleavage: Perfect octahedral, Specific Gravity: 3.52
Identified More mineral →
Explore Diamond (in jewelry) 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 (as seen), 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 high temperatures, brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions in kimberlite pipes.
Uses & applications
Primary use in fine jewelry and high-end gemstone collections. Industrial diamonds are used for cutting, grinding, and drilling tools due to extreme hardness.
Geological facts
Diamonds are the hardest known natural substance. The butterfly shape shown here is a common motif in contemporary pavé jewelry settings.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by checking for extreme hardness and dispersion (fire). Found in primary deposits like kimberlite or secondary alluvial deposits in riverbeds.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous