gemstone
Diamond
Carbon (C)
Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to faint yellow/brown, Luster: Adamantine, Crystal structure: Cubic (Isometric), Cleavage: Perfect in four directions
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/brown, Luster: Adamantine, Crystal structure: Cubic (Isometric), Cleavage: Perfect in four directions
Formation & geological history
Formed under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions in Earth's mantle, approximately 100 miles below the surface, brought up by volcanic eruptions (kimberlite pipes).
Uses & applications
Primary use in fine jewelry and high-end engagement rings; also used industrially for cutting, drilling, and grinding due to its extreme hardness.
Geological facts
Diamond is the hardest natural material on Earth. Most natural diamonds were formed between 1 and 3 billion years ago.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its ability to scratch all other minerals, its high refractive index (brilliance), and heat conductivity. Found primarily in Russia, Botswana, and Canada.
More like this
Other gemstone specimens
Diamond and Gold Jewelry
Carbon (Diamond) / Au (Gold)
gemstone
Ammolite
Ammolite (Biogenic Aragonite with trace elements; fossils of Placenticeras meeki and Placenticeras intercalare)
mineral
Cubic Zirconia (simulant) or Diamond
ZrO2 (Cubic Zirconia) or C (Diamond)
gemstone
Red Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite inclusions
sedimentary
Cubic Zirconia (or possibly Diamond)
Zirconium dioxide (or Carbon)
gemstone
Faceted Gemstone
Unknown transparent mineral, possibly Diamond (C), Cubic Zirconia (ZrO2), Quartz (SiO2), or Glass
gemstone