mineral

Raw Diamond (Rough Uncut)

Diamond (C - pure carbon)

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Pale yellow/off-white; Luster: Adamantine to greasy (when uncut); Crystal Structure: Isometric-Hexoctahedral; Cleavage: Perfect octahedral in four directions; Specific Gravity: 3.52

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale)
Color: Pale yellow/off-white
Luster: Adamantine to greasy (when uncut)

Identified March 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed deep in the Earth's mantle under extreme pressure and heat, then transported to the surface via kimberlite or lamproite volcanic pipes. Age typically ranges from 1 to 3.5 billion years.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in jewelry as a gemstone, but heavily used in industry for cutting, grinding, and drilling tools due to extreme hardness. Also used in high-end electronics and thermal conductors.

Geological facts

Diamonds are the hardest known natural substance. The yellow tint in specimens like this is often caused by nitrogen impurities substituting for carbon atoms in the crystal lattice.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its greasier-than-glass luster and extreme hardness (cannot be scratched by any other mineral). Often found in alluvial deposits or within kimberlite rock. This specimen appears to be a small rough stone set in a 'Polki' or industrial-style jewelry mount.

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