mineral

Rough Diamond

Diamond (C)

Hardness: 10 on the Mohs scale. Color: Colorless to pale yellow/greenish tint. Luster: Adamantine. Crystal system: Cubic/Isometric (often forming octahedrons or dodecahedrons). Cleavage: Perfect octahedral in 4 directions. Specific gravity: 3.52.

Hardness: 10 on the Mohs scale
Color: Colorless to pale yellow/greenish tint
Luster: Adamantine

Identified July 22, 2026More mineral →

Explore Rough Diamond in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed under extreme pressure and high temperature in Earth's mantle (150-200 km deep) over billions of years, transported to the surface by explosive deep-source volcanic eruptions forming kimberlite and lamproite pipes.

Uses & applications

Used extensively in fine jewelry (gemstones) and industrial applications including cutting, grinding, drilling tools, and high-tech optical equipment due to extreme hardness.

Geological facts

Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring mineral on Earth, composed purely of carbon atoms arranged in a strong crystal lattice. The word diamond originates from the ancient Greek word 'adamas', meaning invincible.

Field identification & locations

Identified by extreme hardness (scratches all other minerals), high adamantine luster, greasy to adamantine surface sheen, and specific crystal habits like rounded octahedrons. Major occurrences in Russia, Botswana, Canada, South Africa, and Australia.