gemstone
Diamond
Native Carbon (C)
Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless (in this specimen), Luster: Adamantine, Crystal Structure: Cubic, Cleavage: Perfect octahedral, Specific Gravity: 3.52
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Physical properties
Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless (in this specimen), Luster: Adamantine, Crystal Structure: Cubic, Cleavage: Perfect octahedral, Specific Gravity: 3.52
Formation & geological history
Formed under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions in the Earth's mantle, approximately 100 miles underground, and transported to the surface by kimberlite or lamproite volcanic eruptions.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in jewelry as a gemstone and in industry for cutting, grinding, and drilling tools due to its extreme hardness.
Geological facts
Diamonds are the hardest natural substance known on Earth. They are composed of a single element: Carbon. The oldest diamonds are estimated to be over 3 billion years old.
Field identification & locations
Identification includes testing for high thermal conductivity and hardness. Found in kimberlite pipes or alluvial deposits in locations like South Africa, Russia, Canada, and Botswana.
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