mineral

Diamond

Cubic Carbon (C)

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Typically colorless, but can be yellow, brown, or blue; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Isometric-hexoctahedral; Cleavage: Perfect in four directions; Specific Gravity: 3.51

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale)
Color: Typically colorless, but can be yellow, brown, or blue
Luster: Adamantine

Identified June 7, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed deep within the Earth's mantle under extreme pressure and temperature, then transported to the surface by kimberlite or lamproite volcanic eruptions. Geological age ranges from 1 to 3.5 billion years.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry for its brilliance and fire, and in industrial applications for cutting, grinding, and drilling due to its extreme hardness.

Geological facts

Diamonds are the hardest natural substance known on Earth. Famous specimens include the Hope Diamond and the Cullinan Diamond. They are the birthstone for April.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its extreme hardness (scratching glass or corundum), adamantine luster, and specific crystal shapes. Commonly found in kimberlite pipes or alluvial deposits in Africa, Russia, Canada, and Australia.