mineral

Diamond in Gold Setting

Diamond (C - pure carbon)

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless (in this specimen); Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic); Cleavage: Perfect in four directions; Specific Gravity: 3.51

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale)
Color: Colorless (in this specimen)
Luster: Adamantine

Identified April 27, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless (in this specimen); Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic); Cleavage: Perfect in four directions; Specific Gravity: 3.51

Formation & geological history

Formed deep within the Earth's mantle (150-200km) under extreme heat and pressure over billions of years, then brought to the surface by kimberlite pipe volcanic eruptions.

Uses & applications

Primary use in high-end jewelry (engagement rings, necklaces), and industrial applications for cutting, grinding, and drilling due to its extreme hardness.

Geological facts

Diamond is the hardest known natural substance. The gemstones used in jewelry are often billions of years old, meaning they predate most geological surface features.

Field identification & locations

In the field, it is identified by its hardness, lack of reaction to acid, and high refractive index. For this specific piece, it is found as a faceted gemstone set in a gold alloy ring.