gemstone

Raw Diamond

Carbon (C)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale, transparent to translucent with pale yellow or off-white color, adamantine to greasy luster, isometric crystal system with octahedral habit, perfect cleavage in four directions, specific gravity of 3.50-3.53.

Identified July 29, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed under extreme high temperature and pressure conditions in the Earth's mantle, typically at depths of 150-250 kilometers, and brought to the surface via deep-source volcanic eruptions (kimberlite and lamproite pipes) over hundreds of millions to billions of years ago.

Uses & applications

Widely used in high-end fine jewelry, industrial cutting tools, abrasives, drilling bits, and high-tech applications due to its extreme hardness and thermal conductivity.

Geological facts

Diamond is the hardest known natural material on Earth, capable of scratching any other mineral. Despite being made purely of carbon, it is structurally distinct from soft graphite.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified in the field by its extreme hardness, greasy-to-adamantine luster, and typical octahedral crystal shapes. Found primarily in alluvial deposits or mined directly from kimberlite pipes in countries such as South Africa, Russia, Botswana, and Canada.