gemstone
Diamond (or Diamond Simulant)
Carbon (C) if diamond, various if simulant (e.g., Cubic Zirconia ZrO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectIf diamond: Hardness 10, colorless, adamantine luster. If CZ: Hardness 8-8.5, colorless, sub-adamantine luster.
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
If diamond: Hardness 10, colorless, adamantine luster. If CZ: Hardness 8-8.5, colorless, sub-adamantine luster.
Formation & geological history
Diamonds form deep in the Earth's mantle under high pressure and temperature over billions of years, brought to the surface by kimberlite eruptions. Simulants like CZ are lab-grown.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in jewelry. Industrial uses for diamonds include cutting and grinding tools.
Geological facts
Diamond is the hardest known natural material. It is often cut with facets to maximize brilliance and fire.
Field identification & locations
Identify by a jeweler using a thermal conductivity probe (diamond tester). Scratch tests can damage simulants.
More like this
Other gemstone specimens
Gemstone Ring
N/A - Set piece of jewelry, likely Amethyst or Garnet with Diamond or CZ
gemstone
Ammolite
Ammolite (Biogenic Aragonite with trace elements; fossils of Placenticeras meeki and Placenticeras intercalare)
mineral
Diamond and Gold Jewelry
Carbon (Diamond) / Au (Gold)
gemstone
Red Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite inclusions
sedimentary
Amber
Succinite (Organic Gemstone)
mineral
Cubic Zirconia (simulant) or Diamond
ZrO2 (Cubic Zirconia) or C (Diamond)
gemstone