mineral

Rough Diamond

Diamond (Native Carbon, C)

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless to pale yellow/brown; Luster: Adamantine (greasy in rough state); Crystal Structure: Isometric-Hexoctahedral (often octahedral or rounded dodecahedral); Cleavage: Perfect in four directions; Specific Gravity: 3.51

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale)
Color: Colorless to pale yellow/brown
Luster: Adamantine (greasy in rough state)

Identified April 6, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed under extreme pressure and temperature conditions deep in the Earth's mantle (150-250km deep). They are brought to the surface by kimberlite and lamproite volcanic eruptions. Most are 1 to 3.5 billion years old.

Uses & applications

Primary use in high-end jewelry (when cut and polished) and industrial applications such as cutting, grinding, and drilling due to extreme hardness.

Geological facts

Diamonds are the hardest known natural material. While they are famous as gemstones, 80% of all diamonds mined are used for industrial purposes rather than jewelry.

Field identification & locations

Field identification of rough diamonds involves looking for an 'oily' or greasy luster, high specific gravity (feels heavy for its size), and the ability to scratch any other mineral. They are commonly found in kimberlite pipes or alluvial deposits (river beds).