mineral

Diamond

Diamond (pure carbon, C)

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to faint yellow/brown (can be fancy colors), Luster: Adamantine, Crystal Structure: Isometric-Cubic, Cleavage: Perfect in four directions, Specific Gravity: 3.5-3.53

Identified May 30, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed under extreme pressure and temperature conditions deep in the Earth's mantle (over 150km deep) and transported to the surface by volcanic eruptions of kimberlite or lamproite pipes.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in fine jewelry, and for industrial applications such as cutting, grinding, and drilling due to its extreme hardness.

Geological facts

Diamonds are the hardest known natural material. Most natural diamonds are between 1 billion and 3.5 billion years old.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its brilliance, hardness (cannot be scratched by other minerals), and high thermal conductivity. Mostly found in volcanic pipes or alluvial deposits.