mineral

Rough Diamond

Natural Diamond (Carbon, C)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 10 Mohs; Color: Brownish-yellow (champagne); Luster: Adamantine to greasy (rough); Crystal system: Isometric/Cubic (often dodecahedral or octahedral forms); Specific gravity: 3.52

Hardness: 10 Mohs
Color: Brownish-yellow (champagne)
Luster: Adamantine to greasy (rough)

Identified July 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 10 Mohs; Color: Brownish-yellow (champagne); Luster: Adamantine to greasy (rough); Crystal system: Isometric/Cubic (often dodecahedral or octahedral forms); Specific gravity: 3.52

Formation & geological history

Formed under extreme pressure and temperature at depths of 140-190 kilometers in the Earth's mantle over 1 to 3 billion years ago; transported to the surface by kimberlite pipe volcanic eruptions.

Uses & applications

Industrial abrasives, cutting tools, high-end jewelry (when faceted), and investment/specimen collecting.

Geological facts

Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth. While many think of them as clear, most natural diamonds have some tint of yellow or brown due to nitrogen impurities.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its extreme hardness (cannot be scratched by any other mineral) and its specific gravity. Commonly found in alluvial deposits or within kimberlite pipes in regions like South Africa, Russia, and Canada.