gemstone

Diamond (or Cubic Zirconia / Gemstone Ring)

C (Carbon) for natural Diamond

Hardness: 10 on Mohs scale (for diamond). Color: Colorless/transparent with high dispersion ('fire'). Luster: Adamantine. Crystal Structure: Isometric-hexoctahedral.

Hardness: 10 on Mohs scale (for diamond)
Color: Colorless/transparent with high dispersion ('fire')
Luster: Adamantine

Identified July 23, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 10 on Mohs scale (for diamond). Color: Colorless/transparent with high dispersion ('fire'). Luster: Adamantine. Crystal Structure: Isometric-hexoctahedral.

Formation & geological history

Natural diamonds form deep within the Earth's mantle under extreme pressure and high temperatures over billions of years, brought to the surface via kimberlite and lamproite pipes.

Uses & applications

Primary use in fine jewelry such as rings, necklaces, and earrings. Industrial diamonds are used in cutting, grinding, and drilling tools.

Geological facts

Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring material known to science, consisting of pure carbon arranged in a diamond cubic crystal structure.

Field identification & locations

Identified by extreme hardness, high refraction, adamantine luster, and resistance to scratching. Common locations for diamond mining include Russia, Botswana, Canada, and Angola.

Other gemstone specimens

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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

Red Jasper

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite inclusions

sedimentary

Cubic Zirconia (or possibly Diamond)

Zirconium dioxide (or Carbon)

gemstone

Faceted Gemstone

Unknown transparent mineral, possibly Diamond (C), Cubic Zirconia (ZrO2), Quartz (SiO2), or Glass

gemstone