mineral

Rough Diamond

Diamond (Carbon, C)

Hardness: 10 on Mohs scale (hardest known natural substance). Color: Light grey-green to pale metallic grey. Luster: Adamantine to greasy in rough form. Crystal structure: Cubic (isometric), often forming octahedrons, dodecahedrons, or cubic habits. Cleavage: Perfect octahedral in four directions.…

Hardness: 10 on Mohs scale (hardest known natural substance)
Color: Light grey-green to pale metallic grey
Luster: Adamantine to greasy in rough form

Identified July 23, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed at extreme depths (150 to 250 kilometers) in Earth's mantle under immense pressure and high temperatures, brought near the surface via explosive mantle-derived volcanic eruptions that created kimberlite and lamproite pipes.

Uses & applications

Gemology and fine jewelry after cutting and polishing. Industrial applications include precision cutting tools, abrasives, diamond drill bits, heat sinks, and scientific research equipment.

Geological facts

Diamond is a native element composed pure carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice. Despite its extreme hardness, diamond is brittle along its cleavage planes and can fracture if hit hard enough.

Field identification & locations

Rough diamonds can be identified by their extreme hardness, adamantine luster, isometric habit, and resistance to chemical etching. Commonly found in kimberlite pipes in Russia, Botswana, Canada, South Africa, Australia, and alluvial deposits.