mineral

Diamond (in jewelry setting)

Carbon (C)

Hardness: 10 Mohs; Color: Colorless (clear); Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Isometric-hexoctahedral; Cleavage: 111 (perfect in four directions); Specific Gravity: 3.52.

Hardness: 10 Mohs
Color: Colorless (clear)
Luster: Adamantine

Identified March 29, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 10 Mohs; Color: Colorless (clear); Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Isometric-hexoctahedral; Cleavage: 111 (perfect in four directions); Specific Gravity: 3.52.

Formation & geological history

Formed at depths of 140 to 190 kilometers in the Earth's mantle under extreme pressure and temperature. Transported to the surface by deep-origin volcanic eruptions (kimberlite or lamproite pipes). Geological age can range from 1 billion to 3.5 billion years.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry (as seen in the provided image) and industrial applications for cutting, grinding, and drilling due to its extreme hardness.

Geological facts

Diamond is the hardest known natural material. It is the only gemstone made of a single element (99.95% carbon). The largest rough diamond ever found was the Cullinan, weighing 3,106 carats.

Field identification & locations

In the field/jewelry, identify by high refractive index (brilliance), thermal conductivity, and the ability to scratch any other material. Commonly found in South Africa, Russia, Canada, and Botswana. For collectors, look for the 'Four Cs': Carat, Cut, Color, and Clarity.