gemstone
Diamond
Carbon (C)
Hardness: 10 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless, yellow, brown, blue, pink; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal structure: Isometric (cubic); Specific gravity: 3.50-3.53
- Hardness
- 10 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Colorless, yellow, brown, blue, pink
- Luster
- Adamantine
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Physical properties
Hardness: 10 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless, yellow, brown, blue, pink; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal structure: Isometric (cubic); Specific gravity: 3.50-3.53
Formation & geological history
Formed under high pressure and temperature conditions in Earth's mantle, typically between 140 to 190 kilometers deep, and brought to the surface via deep-source volcanic eruptions (kimberlite pipes) over billions of years.
Uses & applications
High-end jewelry, industrial cutting tools, abrasive powders, and electronic components.
Geological facts
Diamond is the hardest known natural material on Earth, yet it is made entirely of carbon, the same element that forms soft graphite in pencils.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its extreme hardness, high refractive index, and adamantine luster. Major sources include Russia, Botswana, Canada, and South Africa.
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