gemstone
Diamond
Natural Diamond (Carbon, C)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to faint yellow, Luster: Adamantine, Crystal Structure: Cubic, Cleavage: Perfect octahedral, Specific Gravity: 3.52
Identified More gemstone →
Explore Diamond in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to faint yellow, Luster: Adamantine, Crystal Structure: Cubic, Cleavage: Perfect octahedral, Specific Gravity: 3.52
Formation & geological history
Formed under extreme pressure and high temperature in the Earth's mantle (150-250km deep), brought to the surface via volcanic pipes called kimberlites. Most are 1-3.5 billion years old.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in jewelry as the primary gemstone for engagement rings; also used in industrial cutting, grinding, and drilling tools due to extreme hardness.
Geological facts
Diamond is the hardest natural substance known on Earth. It is a polymorphic form of carbon and is prized for its high dispersion of light, creating 'fire'.
Field identification & locations
Identified by high refractive index, extreme hardness (scratches all other minerals), and thermal conductivity. Commonly found in alluvial deposits or within kimberlite pipes in regions like Africa, Russia, and Canada.
More like this
Other gemstone specimens
Ammolite
Ammolite (Biogenic Aragonite with trace elements; fossils of Placenticeras meeki and Placenticeras intercalare)
mineral
Gemstone Ring
N/A - Set piece of jewelry, likely Amethyst or Garnet with Diamond or CZ
gemstone
Amber
Succinite (Organic Gemstone)
mineral
Diamond and Gold Jewelry
Carbon (Diamond) / Au (Gold)
gemstone
Red Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite inclusions
sedimentary
Cubic Zirconia (simulant) or Diamond
ZrO2 (Cubic Zirconia) or C (Diamond)
gemstone