gemstone
Rough Diamond
Carbon (C)
Hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale, colorless to various shades of yellow, brown, gray, or rare fancy colors, adamantine luster, isometric (cubic) crystal system, perfect octahedral cleavage, specific gravity of 3.51-3.53
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Physical properties
Hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale, colorless to various shades of yellow, brown, gray, or rare fancy colors, adamantine luster, isometric (cubic) crystal system, perfect octahedral cleavage, specific gravity of 3.51-3.53
Formation & geological history
Formed under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions in the Earth's mantle, typically at depths of 150 to 250 kilometers, and brought to the surface via deep-source volcanic eruptions (kimberlite and lamproite pipes) over billions of years
Uses & applications
Used primarily in fine jewelry as gemstones, and extensively in industrial applications for cutting, drilling, grinding, and polishing due to its extreme hardness
Geological facts
Diamond is the hardest known natural material on Earth and is composed entirely of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure
Field identification & locations
Identified by its extreme hardness (can scratch all other minerals), greasy-to-adamantine luster, and typical octahedral or rounded crystal habit; found in major deposits across Africa, Russia, Canada, and Australia
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