gemstone
Diamond
Native Carbon (C)
Hardness: 10 Mohs; Color: Colorless to white; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal structure: Isometric-hexoctahedral; Specific gravity: 3.52.
- Hardness
- 10 Mohs
- Color
- Colorless to white
- Luster
- Adamantine
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Physical properties
Hardness: 10 Mohs; Color: Colorless to white; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal structure: Isometric-hexoctahedral; Specific gravity: 3.52.
Formation & geological history
Formed at high temperatures and pressures in the Earth's mantle, approximately 100 miles below the surface, and brought up by volcanic eruptions (kimberlite pipes).
Uses & applications
Primarily used in high-end jewelry and industrial applications for cutting, grinding, and drilling due to its extreme hardness.
Geological facts
Diamond is the only gemstone made of a single element: Carbon. It is the hardest natural substance known to man.
Field identification & locations
Identify by extreme hardness and high refractive index. Look for cubic crystal habits in the field or use a thermal conductivity tester.
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