gemstone
Diamond
Carbon (C)
Hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale, colorless or tinted, adamantine luster, isometric crystal system, perfect octahedral cleavage, specific gravity of 3.51-3.53
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Physical properties
Hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale, colorless or tinted, adamantine luster, isometric crystal system, perfect octahedral cleavage, specific gravity of 3.51-3.53
Formation & geological history
Formed under high pressure and temperature conditions in the Earth's mantle, typically at depths of 150-250 kilometers, and brought to the surface via kimberlite or lamproite volcanic pipes over millions to billions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in high-end jewelry as a gemstone and extensively in industrial applications for cutting, grinding, and drilling due to its extreme hardness.
Geological facts
Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring substance known on Earth. It is composed entirely of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its supreme hardness, high refractive index, and strong adamantine luster. Found globally in major deposits including Africa, Russia, Australia, and Canada. Given the geographic coordinate context near Santiago, Chile, diamond is not a native commercial deposit of the region, though individual cut stones are globally distributed.
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