mineral

Diamond

Diamond (Pure Carbon, C)

Hardness: 10 Mohs scale; Color: Colorless (in this specimen); Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Isometric-hexoctahedral; Cleavage: Perfect in four directions; Specific Gravity: 3.52.

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

Identified June 21, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 10 Mohs scale; Color: Colorless (in this specimen); Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Isometric-hexoctahedral; Cleavage: Perfect in four directions; Specific Gravity: 3.52.

Formation & geological history

Formed under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions in the Earth's mantle, typically at depths of 140 to 190 kilometers, and brought to the surface by deep-origin volcanic eruptions (kimberlites).

Uses & applications

Primarily used in high-end jewelry and for industrial applications such as cutting, grinding, and drilling due to its extreme hardness.

Geological facts

Diamonds are the hardest known natural substance. The word 'diamond' comes from the Greek word 'adamas', meaning invincible. Most natural diamonds are between 1 billion and 3.5 billion years old.

Field identification & locations

Identify by extreme hardness (scratches all other minerals), high refractive index (brilliance), and thermal conductivity. Found in primary deposits like kimberlite pipes or secondary alluvial deposits in riverbeds.