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-hexoctahedral (cubic), Specific Gravity: 3.52

Identified June 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to faint yellow/brown (can be fancy colors), Luster: Adamantine, Crystal Structure: Isometric-hexoctahedral (cubic), Specific Gravity: 3.52

Formation & geological history

Formed under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions in the Earth's mantle, approximately 100 miles underground. Transported to the surface via deep-source volcanic eruptions called kimberlite pipes.

Uses & applications

Predominantly used in jewelry as gemstones. Industrial uses include cutting, grinding, and drilling tools due to extreme hardness, and as heat sinks in electronics.

Geological facts

Diamonds are the hardest known natural substance. The largest diamond ever found was the Cullinan Diamond, discovered in 1905, which weighed 3,106 carats.

Field identification & locations

Field identification involves testing for extreme hardness (scratches all other materials), high thermal conductivity, and checking for specific refractive indexes. Common locations include South Africa, Russia, Canada, and Botswana.