
mineral
Diamond
C (Carbon)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 10 (Mohs); Color: Colorless to faint yellow/brown; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal structure: Cubic; Cleavage: Perfect octahedral; Specific Gravity: 3.52
- Hardness
- 10 (Mohs)
- Color
- Colorless to faint yellow/brown
- Luster
- Adamantine
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Physical properties
Hardness: 10 (Mohs); Color: Colorless to faint yellow/brown; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal structure: Cubic; Cleavage: Perfect octahedral; Specific Gravity: 3.52
Formation & geological history
Formed under extreme pressure and high temperature in the Earth's mantle (140-190 km deep). Transported to the surface by kimberlite and lamproite magma eruptions.
Uses & applications
High-end jewelry, industrial abrasives, cutting tools, precision heat sinks in electronics, and scientific high-pressure research.
Geological facts
Diamonds are the hardest natural substance on Earth. Most natural diamonds are between 1 and 3.5 billion years old.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its extreme hardness, high dispersion (fire), and thermal conductivity. Commonly found in kimberlite pipes or alluvial deposits in Africa, Russia, Canada, and Australia.
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