gemstone
Diamond (or Cubic Zirconia)
Cubic Carbon (C) or Zirconium Dioxide (ZrO2)
Isometric crystal system, adamantine luster, colorless/transparent, 10 or 8.5 hardness (Mohs scale), high dispersion/fire
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Physical properties
Isometric crystal system, adamantine luster, colorless/transparent, 10 or 8.5 hardness (Mohs scale), high dispersion/fire
Formation & geological history
Natural diamonds form under high pressure and temperature in Earth's mantle; synthetic stimulants are lab-grown
Uses & applications
Personal adornment, jewelry, industrial cutting tools, or synthetic fashion accessories
Geological facts
Natural diamond is the hardest known natural material; it is billions of years old and brought to the surface via kimberlite pipes
Field identification & locations
Identify using a diamond tester or by checking for high refractive index; look for 'fire' (splitting light into rainbow colors)
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Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite inclusions
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Amber
Succinite (Organic Gemstone)
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Citrine
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities
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Tiger's Eye
Pseudomorph of Quartz after Crocidolite (SiO2 with iron oxide inclusions)
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Amber
Succinrite (Organic Gemstone)
mineraloid