mineral
Diamond
C (Carbon)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to yellow/brown (jewelry grade is ideally colorless), Luster: Adamantine, Crystal Structure: Cubic (Isometric), Cleavage: Perfect octahedral, Specific Gravity: 3.52
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Physical properties
Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to yellow/brown (jewelry grade is ideally colorless), Luster: Adamantine, Crystal Structure: Cubic (Isometric), Cleavage: Perfect octahedral, Specific Gravity: 3.52
Formation & geological history
Formed deep in the Earth's mantle under extreme pressure and temperature (1-3 billion years ago), then brought to the surface by kimberlite and lamproite volcanic eruptions.
Uses & applications
High-end jewelry, industrial abrasives for cutting and drilling, high-performance window materials, and semiconductor heat sinks.
Geological facts
Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth. Most natural diamonds are billions of years old, predating dinosaurs by hundreds of millions of years.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by high refractive index and hardness (cannot be scratched by any other natural mineral). Commonly found in kimberlite pipes or alluvial deposits in regions like Russia, Botswana, and Canada.
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