mineral
Diamond
Carbon (C)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Clear/Colorless (most common for jewelry), Luster: Adamantine, Crystal Structure: Cubic, Cleavage: Perfect in four directions, Specific Gravity: 3.52
Identified More mineral →
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: Clear/Colorless (most common for jewelry), Luster: Adamantine, Crystal Structure: Cubic, Cleavage: Perfect in four directions, Specific Gravity: 3.52
Formation & geological history
Formed deep within the Earth's mantle under extreme heat and pressure, then transported to the surface by kimberlite and lamproite pipes. Most are 1 to 3.5 billion years old.
Uses & applications
Primary use in high-end jewelry and gemstones. Also used industrially for cutting, grinding, and drilling tools due to extreme hardness.
Geological facts
Diamonds are the hardest natural substance on Earth and are composed of pure carbon. The Hope Diamond is one of the most famous specimens in history.
Field identification & locations
Identify by testing thermal conductivity or using a professional diamond tester. Found in kimberlite pipes or alluvial deposits. Primary locations include South Africa, Russia, Canada, and Australia.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous