mineral
Diamond
C (Carbon)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless (as shown), yellow, brown, or blue; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal structure: Isometric-hexoctahedral; Cleavage: Perfect in four directions forming octahedrons; Specific gravity: 3.51
- Hardness
- 10 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Colorless (as shown), yellow, brown, or blue
- Luster
- Adamantine
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Physical properties
Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless (as shown), yellow, brown, or blue; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal structure: Isometric-hexoctahedral; Cleavage: Perfect in four directions forming octahedrons; Specific gravity: 3.51
Formation & geological history
Formed under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions at depths of 140 to 190 kilometers in the Earth's mantle. Delivered to the surface through deep-origin volcanic eruptions called kimberlites.
Uses & applications
Primary use in jewelry as a gemstone and industrial use as abrasives, cutting tools, and thermal conductors.
Geological facts
Diamonds are the hardest known natural material on Earth. Most natural diamonds were formed over 1 billion years ago, with some specimens dating back 3.3 billion years.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its exceptional brilliance (fire), hardness (will scratch any other material), and specific gravity. Commonly found in kimberlite pipes or alluvial deposits in Africa, Russia, Canada, and Australia.
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