gemstone
Diamond
Carbon (C)
Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to faint yellow/brown, Luster: Adamantine, Crystal Structure: Cubic, Cleavage: Perfect octahedral, Specific Gravity: 3.52
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Physical properties
Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to faint yellow/brown, Luster: Adamantine, Crystal Structure: Cubic, Cleavage: Perfect octahedral, Specific Gravity: 3.52
Formation & geological history
Formed under extreme high-pressure and high-temperature conditions deep within the Earth's mantle (140-190 km) and transported to the surface by kimberlite eruptions. Age ranges from 1 to 3.5 billion years.
Uses & applications
Primary use in fine jewelry and high-end luxury goods. Industrial uses include cutting, grinding, and drilling tools due to its extreme hardness.
Geological facts
Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth. It is composed of pure carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its ability to scratch any other material and its high refractive index (brilliance/fire). Commonly found in kimberlite pipes or secondary alluvial deposits.
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