gemstone

Diamond jewelry

Diamond (crystalline carbon, C)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Colorless, transparent, adamantine luster; cubic crystal structure, no visible cleavage in the mounted stones, Mohs hardness 10, and specific gravity about 3.52. The stones appear cut and polished, likely round brilliant cuts, set in metal.

Identified August 11, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Natural diamonds crystallize deep in Earth’s mantle under extreme pressure and temperature, commonly 1–3 billion years ago, then reach the surface through kimberlite or lamproite eruptions. The image cannot establish whether these are natural, laboratory-grown, or simulant stones.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in engagement and fashion jewelry; industrial diamond is used for cutting, drilling, grinding, and polishing. Jewelry value depends strongly on carat weight, cut, color, clarity, provenance, and metal.

Geological facts

Diamond is the hardest known natural mineral, though toughness varies because it can cleave along crystal planes. Laboratory-grown diamond has essentially the same chemical and physical properties as natural diamond but differs in origin.

Field identification & locations

Identify by extreme hardness, high brilliance, dispersion (‘fire’), and thermal conductivity; definitive identification requires gemological testing because cubic zirconia and moissanite can look similar. Major natural sources include Botswana, Russia, Canada, Australia, and southern Africa.