gemstone
Diamond
Natural Diamond (Carbon, C)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 10 Mohs; Color: Colorless (D-H range); Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Isometric (Cubic); Cleavage: Perfect octahedral; Specific Gravity: 3.52
- Hardness
- 10 Mohs
- Color
- Colorless (D-H range)
- Luster
- Adamantine
Identified More gemstone →
Explore Diamond in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 10 Mohs; Color: Colorless (D-H range); Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Isometric (Cubic); Cleavage: Perfect octahedral; Specific Gravity: 3.52
Formation & geological history
Formed under extreme pressure and temperature in the Earth's mantle, 100-200 miles deep, over 1-3 billion years ago; brought to surface via kimberlite volcanic eruptions.
Uses & applications
Primary use in high-end jewelry (engagement rings) and industrial applications for cutting, grinding, and drilling due to extreme hardness.
Geological facts
Diamonds are the hardest known natural substance. The Hope Diamond is one of the most famous colorless-to-blue specimens in history.
Field identification & locations
Identify by testing thermal conductivity or using a diamond loupe to check for natural inclusions and the 'adamantine' luster that synthetic glass lacks. Found primarily in pipes of kimberlite.
More like this
Other gemstone specimens
Ammolite
Ammolite (Biogenic Aragonite with trace elements; fossils of Placenticeras meeki and Placenticeras intercalare)
mineral
Gemstone Ring
N/A - Set piece of jewelry, likely Amethyst or Garnet with Diamond or CZ
gemstone
Amber
Succinite (Organic Gemstone)
mineral
Diamond and Gold Jewelry
Carbon (Diamond) / Au (Gold)
gemstone
Red Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite inclusions
sedimentary
Cubic Zirconia (simulant) or Diamond
ZrO2 (Cubic Zirconia) or C (Diamond)
gemstone