mineral

Diamond

Diamond (C)

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to yellow/brown (commonly), Luster: Adamantine, Crystal Structure: Cubic (Isometric), Cleavage: Perfect octahedral, Specific Gravity: 3.52

Identified June 7, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to yellow/brown (commonly), Luster: Adamantine, Crystal Structure: Cubic (Isometric), Cleavage: Perfect octahedral, Specific Gravity: 3.52

Formation & geological history

Formed under extreme pressure and temperature conditions deep in the Earth's mantle, approximately 100 miles below the surface, and brought to the exterior by deep-seated volcanic eruptions called kimberlites.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in high-end jewelry, and industrially for cutting, grinding, and drilling due to its extreme hardness; also used in heat sinks and specialized electronics.

Geological facts

Diamonds are the hardest known natural material on Earth and consist of pure carbon. They are billions of years old, often dating back 1 to 3.5 billion years.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its extreme hardness (cannot be scratched by any other mineral), high refractive index (brilliance), and specific heat conductivity; commonly found in kimberlite pipes or alluvial deposits in regions like South Africa, Russia, and Canada.