mineral

Diamond

Diamond (C)

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Clear to yellowish, Luster: Adamantine, Crystal structure: Cubic, Cleavage: Octahedral, Specific gravity: 3.52

Identified May 17, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale), Color: Clear to yellowish, Luster: Adamantine, Crystal structure: Cubic, Cleavage: Octahedral, Specific gravity: 3.52

Formation & geological history

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

Uses & applications

Extensively used in jewelry, high-end industrial drilling, cutting, and grinding tools due to extreme hardness, and in high-performance electronics.

Geological facts

Diamonds are the hardest natural substance on Earth. Despite their hardness, they are brittle and can shatter if hit with a hammer. They are composed entirely of pure carbon organized in a unique crystal lattice.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its extreme hardness (cannot be scratched by any other mineral) and its high refractive index. Often found in kimberlite pipes or alluvial deposits in riverbeds.