mineral

Diamond

Carbon (C)

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to faint yellow/brown, Luster: Adamantine, Crystal Structure: Cubic/Isometric, Cleavage: Perfect octahedral, Specific Gravity: 3.52

Identified June 30, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to faint yellow/brown, Luster: Adamantine, Crystal Structure: Cubic/Isometric, Cleavage: Perfect octahedral, Specific Gravity: 3.52

Formation & geological history

Formed under high pressure and temperature conditions deep within the Earth's mantle, typically at depths of 140-190 kilometers, and brought to the surface by kimberlite eruptions.

Uses & applications

Primary use in high-end jewelry (engagement rings, necklaces), and industrial applications for cutting, drilling, and grinding tools due to extreme hardness.

Geological facts

Diamonds are the hardest known natural substance. The word comes from the Greek 'adamas', meaning unbreakable. 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 (brilliance), and thermal conductivity. Commonly found in kimberlite pipes and alluvial deposits in Africa, Russia, and Canada.