gemstone
Diamond
Carbon (C)
Mohs hardness: 10 (hardest known natural substance). Color: colorless/white. Luster: adamantine. Crystal structure: cubic. Cleavage: perfect in 4 directions. Specific gravity: 3.52.
- Hardness
- 10 (hardest known natural substance)
- Color
- colorless/white
- Luster
- adamantine
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness: 10 (hardest known natural substance). Color: colorless/white. Luster: adamantine. Crystal structure: cubic. Cleavage: perfect in 4 directions. Specific gravity: 3.52.
Formation & geological history
Formed under high temperature and pressure conditions at depths of roughly 140 to 190 kilometers in the Earth's mantle over billions of years.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in fine jewelry (engagement rings) and industrial applications for cutting, drilling, and grinding due to extreme hardness.
Geological facts
Diamonds are the birthstones for April. They are the only gemstone made of a single element: Carbon. Most natural diamonds are between 1 billion and 3.5 billion years old.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its high refractive index, extreme hardness, and thermal conductivity. Commonly found in kimberlite and lamproite volcanic pipes or in alluvial deposits.
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