mineral

Diamond

C (Carbon)

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless, yellow, brown, or rarely blue, green, pink; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal structure: Cubic (isometric); Cleavage: Perfect octahedral in four directions; Specific gravity: 3.52

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale)
Color: Colorless, yellow, brown, or rarely blue, green, pink
Luster: Adamantine

Identified March 3, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions in the Earth's mantle, 140 to 190 km deep. Most diamonds are dated between 1 billion and 3.5 billion years old and are brought to the surface by kimberlite and lamproite pipes.

Uses & applications

Primary use is in high-end jewelry; industrial uses include cutting, drilling, and grinding tools due to extreme hardness; used in high-pressure scientific experiments and heat sinks.

Geological facts

Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth. Most diamonds found today were formed billions of years ago. The Hope Diamond is one of the most famous specimens, known for its rare blue color and alleged curse.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by high thermal conductivity, extreme hardness (scratches all other minerals), and high refractive index. Common locations include South Africa, Russia, Canada, Australia, and Botswana.