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 (Mohs), colorless to various colors, adamantine luster, cubic crystal structure, perfect cleavage in 4 directions. If simulant: varies (e.g., CZ hardness 8-8.5).
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 (Mohs), colorless to various colors, adamantine luster, cubic crystal structure, perfect cleavage in 4 directions. If simulant: varies (e.g., CZ hardness 8-8.5).
Formation & geological history
Natural diamonds form deep in the Earth's mantle under extreme heat and pressure over billions of years, brought to the surface by kimberlite eruptions. Simulants are lab-created or other minerals.
Uses & applications
Jewelry, industrial cutting/grinding/drilling tools, scientific applications.
Geological facts
Diamonds are the hardest known natural material. Only a diamond can scratch another diamond.
Field identification & locations
Identified by hardness, thermal conductivity (using a diamond tester), high refractive index, and specific gravity. Natural diamonds often have inclusions visible under magnification.
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