mineral
Diamond
Carbon (C)
Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to faint yellow/brown, Luster: Adamant, Crystal Structure: Isometric-hexoctahedral (cubic), Specific Gravity: 3.52
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Physical properties
Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to faint yellow/brown, Luster: Adamant, Crystal Structure: Isometric-hexoctahedral (cubic), Specific Gravity: 3.52
Formation & geological history
Formed under high pressure and temperature conditions in the Earth's mantle, approximately 150 to 250 kilometers deep, and brought to the surface by kimberlite and lamproite pipes.
Uses & applications
Widely used for jewelry as gemstones and in industrial applications for cutting, drilling, and grinding due to its extreme hardness.
Geological facts
Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth. Most natural diamonds were formed between 1 billion and 3.5 billion years ago.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its high refractive index, extreme hardness (it can scratch all other minerals), and octahedral crystal habit. Commonly found in primary deposits (volcanic pipes) or secondary alluvial deposits.
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sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock