mineral

Diamond

Natural Carbon (C)

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless to faint yellow/brown (jewelry grade); Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Isometric-hexoctahedral (cubic); Cleavage: Perfect in four directions; Specific Gravity: 3.51

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale)
Color: Colorless to faint yellow/brown (jewelry grade)
Luster: Adamantine

Identified May 4, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed under extreme pressure and high temperature at depths of 140 to 190 kilometers in the Earth's mantle over billions of years. They are brought to the surface by deep-origin volcanic eruptions through kimberlite pipes.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in high-end jewelry (engagement rings, necklaces) and industrial applications including cutting, drilling, and grinding tools due to its extreme hardness.

Geological facts

Diamonds are the hardest known natural material on Earth. The name comes from the Greek word 'adamas', meaning unbreakable. Most natural diamonds are between 1 billion and 3.5 billion years old.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its high refractive index, extreme hardness (it will scratch all other minerals), and thermal conductivity. Commonly found in alluvial deposits or kimberlite pipes in regions like South Africa, Russia, Canada, and Botswana.