gemstone
Diamond
Carbon (C)
Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless (in this specimen); Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Isometric-Hexoctahedral; Cleavage: Perfect in four directions; Specific Gravity: 3.52
- Hardness
- 10 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Colorless (in this specimen)
- Luster
- Adamantine
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Physical properties
Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless (in this specimen); Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Isometric-Hexoctahedral; Cleavage: Perfect in four directions; Specific Gravity: 3.52
Formation & geological history
Formed under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions in Earth's mantle, typically at depths of 150 to 200 kilometers, and brought to the surface by kimberlite eruptions.
Uses & applications
Primary use in high-end jewelry and industrial applications such as cutting, drilling, and grinding due to its extreme hardness.
Geological facts
Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth. 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 refractive index, and thermal conductivity. Commonly found in kimberlite pipes or alluvial deposits in Africa, Russia, Canada, and Australia.
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