gemstone
Diamond (or Clear Quartz / Cubic Zirconia)
Carbon (C) or Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) / Cubic Zirconia (ZrO2)
Hardness: 10 (Diamond) or 7 (Quartz) / 8.5 (Cubic Zirconia). Colorless, transparent, adamantine or vitreous luster, brilliant round cut, octahedral/cubic crystal system when natural.
- Hardness
- 10 (Diamond) or 7 (Quartz) / 8
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Physical properties
Hardness: 10 (Diamond) or 7 (Quartz) / 8.5 (Cubic Zirconia). Colorless, transparent, adamantine or vitreous luster, brilliant round cut, octahedral/cubic crystal system when natural.
Formation & geological history
Natural diamonds form deep within Earth's mantle under extreme pressure and temperature over billions of years, brought to the surface via kimberlite volcanic pipes.
Uses & applications
Widely used in fine jewelry, engagement rings, industrial abrasives, cutting tools, and gem collections.
Geological facts
Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth. It consists of pure carbon atoms arranged in a strong, three-dimensional covalent lattice.
Field identification & locations
Identified by high refractive index, extreme dispersion (fire), high thermal conductivity, and scratch resistance. Common synthetic or imitation substitutes include cubic zirconia and moissanite.
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Other gemstone specimens
Diamond and Gold Jewelry
Carbon (Diamond) / Au (Gold)
gemstone
Ammolite
Ammolite (Biogenic Aragonite with trace elements; fossils of Placenticeras meeki and Placenticeras intercalare)
mineral
Cubic Zirconia (simulant) or Diamond
ZrO2 (Cubic Zirconia) or C (Diamond)
gemstone
Black Opal Ring (Carved Opal)
Hydrated Silicon Dioxide (SiO2·nH2O)
gemstone
Red Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite inclusions
sedimentary
Cubic Zirconia (or possibly Diamond)
Zirconium dioxide (or Carbon)
gemstone