gemstone
Diamond (or Diamond Simulant)
C (Carbon) or synthetic equivalent
Hardness: 10 (diamond) or lower (simulants like cubic zirconia), Color: Colorless/White, Luster: Adamantine, Crystal structure: Isometric (diamond)
- Luster
- Adamantine, Crystal structure: Isometric (diamond)
Identified More gemstone →
Explore Diamond (or Diamond Simulant) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 10 (diamond) or lower (simulants like cubic zirconia), Color: Colorless/White, Luster: Adamantine, Crystal structure: Isometric (diamond)
Formation & geological history
Natural diamonds form deep in the Earth's mantle under high pressure and temperature over billions of years. Simulants are synthesized in laboratories.
Uses & applications
Jewelry (stud earring shown), industrial cutting tools if natural/industrial grade.
Geological facts
Diamond is the hardest known natural material. It is composed of pure carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice.
Field identification & locations
A professional jeweler can easily distinguish natural diamonds from simulants using a loupe and thermal conductivity testers.
More like this
Other gemstone specimens
Cubic Zirconia (simulant) or Diamond
ZrO2 (Cubic Zirconia) or C (Diamond)
gemstone
Ammolite
Ammolite (Biogenic Aragonite with trace elements; fossils of Placenticeras meeki and Placenticeras intercalare)
mineral
Cubic Zirconia (or possibly Diamond)
Zirconium dioxide (or Carbon)
gemstone
Red Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite inclusions
sedimentary
Faceted Gemstone
Unknown transparent mineral, possibly Diamond (C), Cubic Zirconia (ZrO2), Quartz (SiO2), or Glass
gemstone
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
mineral