
mineral
Diamond (in Matrix)
Carbon (C)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless to brownish-yellow; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Isometric-hexoctahedral; Specific Gravity: 3.51
- Hardness
- 10 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Colorless to brownish-yellow
- Luster
- Adamantine
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Physical properties
Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless to brownish-yellow; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Isometric-hexoctahedral; Specific Gravity: 3.51
Formation & geological history
Formed under high pressure and temperature in the Earth's mantle (150-250 km deep), then transported to the surface via kimberlite or lamproite volcanic pipes.
Uses & applications
Primary use in jewelry as gemstones and industrial applications for cutting, grinding, and drilling due to extreme hardness.
Geological facts
Diamonds are the hardest known natural material. Most natural diamonds are between 1 billion and 3.5 billion years old.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by looking for characteristic octahedral crystals within kimberlite host rock. Found primarily in South Africa, Russia, Canada, and Australia.
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