mineral

Diamond

Diamond (pure Carbon, C)

Hardness: 10 Mohs; Color: Colorless (in this image), can be yellow, brown, or blue; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Isometric (Cubic); Specific Gravity: 3.52

Hardness: 10 Mohs
Color: Colorless (in this image), can be yellow, brown, or blue
Luster: Adamantine

Identified July 10, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 10 Mohs; Color: Colorless (in this image), can be yellow, brown, or blue; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Isometric (Cubic); Specific Gravity: 3.52

Formation & geological history

Formed under extreme high pressure and temperature conditions deep in the Earth's mantle, approximately 100 miles below the surface, and brought to the surface by kimberlite pipe volcanic eruptions.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in high-end jewelry and industrial applications for cutting, grinding, and drilling due to its extreme hardness.

Geological facts

Diamonds are the hardest known natural material on Earth and consist 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, extreme hardness (it will scratch any other material), and thermal conductivity. Often found in kimberlite pipes or alluvial deposits.