mineral
Rough Diamond (or Herkimer Diamond Quartz)
Diamond (C) or Quartz (SiO2)
Hardness: 10 (Diamond) or 7 (Quartz); Color: Colorless to pale yellow/brown; Luster: Adamantine to vitreous; Crystal system: Cubic (Octahedral) for diamond, Hexagonal for quartz.
- Hardness
- 10 (Diamond) or 7 (Quartz)
- Color
- Colorless to pale yellow/brown
- Luster
- Adamantine to vitreous
Identified More mineral →
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Physical properties
Hardness: 10 (Diamond) or 7 (Quartz); Color: Colorless to pale yellow/brown; Luster: Adamantine to vitreous; Crystal system: Cubic (Octahedral) for diamond, Hexagonal for quartz.
Formation & geological history
Natural diamonds form deep within Earth's mantle under extreme pressure and temperature, brought to the surface via volcanic kimberlite pipes. Quartz forms in various igneous and hydrothermal environments.
Uses & applications
Used in fine jewelry, cutting and industrial abrasives (if diamond), or as popular mineral specimens and healing stones.
Geological facts
Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth, composed entirely of pure carbon atoms organized in a strong crystal lattice.
Field identification & locations
Identified by high clarity, characteristic octahedral crystal shapes, greasy to brilliant luster, and extreme hardness. Commonly found in South Africa, Russia, Canada, Australia, and New York (for Herkimer quartz).
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