mineral
Diamond (in jewelry)
Element Carbon (C)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless (in this specimen), Luster: Adamantine, Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic), Cleavage: Perfect in four directions, Specific Gravity: 3.52
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Physical properties
Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless (in this specimen), Luster: Adamantine, Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic), Cleavage: Perfect in four directions, Specific Gravity: 3.52
Formation & geological history
Formed under extreme high pressure and temperature in Earth's mantle, approximately 100 miles below the surface, and brought to the surface by kimberlite eruptions. Ages range from 1 to 3.5 billion years.
Uses & applications
Primary use in fine jewelry as gemstones; industrial uses include cutting, grinding, and drilling tools due to extreme hardness.
Geological facts
Diamonds are the hardest known natural substance on Earth. Most natural diamonds are billions of years old, predating dinosaurs by hundreds of millions of years.
Field identification & locations
Identification includes testing for high thermal conductivity and viewing the 'marquise' cut facets. Natural specimens are found in kimberlite pipes or alluvial deposits.
