gemstone
Diamond (or Diamond Simulant)
Carbon (C)
Hardness: 10 (diamond) or lower (simulants like CZ); Color: Colorless/White; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal structure: Isometric (diamond)
- Hardness
- 10 (diamond) or lower (simulants like CZ)
- Color
- Colorless/White
- Luster
- Adamantine
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Physical properties
Hardness: 10 (diamond) or lower (simulants like CZ); Color: Colorless/White; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal structure: Isometric (diamond)
Formation & geological history
Formed deep within the Earth's mantle under extreme heat and pressure over billions of years, brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions (kimberlite pipes).
Uses & applications
Jewelry, industrial cutting and polishing tools.
Geological facts
Diamond is the hardest known natural material. It is composed of pure carbon atoms arranged in a strict 3D lattice.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its extreme hardness, brilliant luster, and high dispersion (fire). Found globally, notably in Africa, Russia, and Canada.
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Cubic Zirconia (simulant) or Diamond
ZrO2 (Cubic Zirconia) or C (Diamond)
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Ammolite
Ammolite (Biogenic Aragonite with trace elements; fossils of Placenticeras meeki and Placenticeras intercalare)
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Cubic Zirconia (or possibly Diamond)
Zirconium dioxide (or Carbon)
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Red Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite inclusions
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Faceted Gemstone
Unknown transparent mineral, possibly Diamond (C), Cubic Zirconia (ZrO2), Quartz (SiO2), or Glass
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Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
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