mineral

Diamond

Carbon (C)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 10 on the Mohs scale, transparent to opaque with adamantine luster, isometric crystal system, perfect octahedral cleavage, and specific gravity around 3.5.

Identified October 17, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness 10 on the Mohs scale, transparent to opaque with adamantine luster, isometric crystal system, perfect octahedral cleavage, and specific gravity around 3.5.

Formation & geological history

Formed under extreme pressure and high temperature conditions in Earth's mantle, typically at depths of 150-200 kilometers, and transported to the surface via kimberlite or lamproite volcanic pipes.

Uses & applications

Widely utilized in high-end jewelry as a gemstone and extensively in industrial cutting, grinding, and drilling tools due to its unmatched hardness.

Geological facts

Diamond is the hardest known natural material on Earth and can conduct heat five times faster than copper.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its extreme hardness, high refractive index, and adamantine luster; found in alluvial deposits and kimberlite pipes globally, notably in South Africa, Russia, and Canada.