gemstone

Diamond

Native Carbon (C)

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless (in this specimen), Luster: Adamantine, Crystal Structure: Isometric-Hexoctahedral, Cleavage: Octahedral, Specific Gravity: 3.52

Identified July 18, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless (in this specimen), Luster: Adamantine, Crystal Structure: Isometric-Hexoctahedral, Cleavage: Octahedral, Specific Gravity: 3.52

Formation & geological history

Formed under extreme pressure and high temperature conditions in the Earth's mantle, approximately 90 to 120 miles below the surface. They are brought to the surface via deep-source volcanic eruptions called kimberlites or lamproites.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in high-end jewelry (engagement rings, earrings) and industrial applications for cutting, grinding, and drilling due to its unrivaled hardness.

Geological facts

Diamonds are the only gemstone made of a single element: Carbon. Most natural diamonds are between 1 billion and 3.5 billion years old.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its brilliance, dispersion (fire), and inability to be scratched by any other material. Commonly found in alluvial deposits or kimberlite pipes in Russia, Botswana, and Canada.