mineral

Diamond (or Cubic Zirconia)

Carbon (C) / Cubic Zirconium Dioxide (ZrO2)

Hardness: 10 (Diamond) vs 8-8.5 (CZ); Color: Colorless; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal structure: Cubic; Specific gravity: 3.52 (Diamond) vs 5.6-6.0 (CZ)

Hardness: 10 (Diamond) vs 8-8
Color: Colorless
Luster: Adamantine

Identified May 14, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 10 (Diamond) vs 8-8.5 (CZ); Color: Colorless; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal structure: Cubic; Specific gravity: 3.52 (Diamond) vs 5.6-6.0 (CZ)

Formation & geological history

Natural diamonds form deep within the Earth's mantle under extreme pressure and heat, brought to the surface via kimberlite pipes. CZ is lab-created using a skull crucible process.

Uses & applications

Aesthetics for jewelry, industrial cutting tools, and abrasives due to extreme hardness.

Geological facts

Diamonds are the hardest known natural substance. Most natural diamonds are between 1 billion and 3.5 billion years old.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by checking for a high refractive index. If found in a household setting without certification, it is often a cubic zirconia. Diamonds will scratch glass easily and have high thermal conductivity.

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