gemstone
Diamond
Carbon (C)
Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless (in this specimen), Luster: Adamantine, Crystal Structure: Cubic (Isometric), Specific Gravity: 3.52
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Physical properties
Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless (in this specimen), Luster: Adamantine, Crystal Structure: Cubic (Isometric), Specific Gravity: 3.52
Formation & geological history
Formed under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions in the Earth's mantle, approximately 100 miles underground, and transported to the surface by kimberlite volcanic eruptions.
Uses & applications
Primary use in high-end jewelry, industrial cutting, grinding, and drilling tools due to extreme hardness.
Geological facts
Diamonds are the hardest known natural substance. Most natural diamonds are between 1 billion and 3.5 billion years old.
Field identification & locations
Identify by extreme hardness (scratches all other minerals), high thermal conductivity, and brilliance. Found in kimberlite pipes or alluvial deposits in locations like Russia, Botswana, and Canada.
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