mineral

Diamond

C (Carbon)

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless (as shown), yellow, brown, or blue; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal structure: Isometric-hexoctahedral; Cleavage: Perfect in four directions forming octahedrons; Specific gravity: 3.51

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale)
Color: Colorless (as shown), yellow, brown, or blue
Luster: Adamantine

Identified May 1, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions at depths of 140 to 190 kilometers in the Earth's mantle. Delivered to the surface through deep-origin volcanic eruptions called kimberlites.

Uses & applications

Primary use in jewelry as a gemstone and industrial use as abrasives, cutting tools, and thermal conductors.

Geological facts

Diamonds are the hardest known natural material on Earth. Most natural diamonds were formed over 1 billion years ago, with some specimens dating back 3.3 billion years.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its exceptional brilliance (fire), hardness (will scratch any other material), and specific gravity. Commonly found in kimberlite pipes or alluvial deposits in Africa, Russia, Canada, and Australia.