mineral

Diamond

Carbon (C)

Hardness: 10 Mohs; Color: Colorless (pure), can be yellow, brown, blue, green; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Isometric-hexoctahedral; Cleavage: Perfect octahedral in four directions; Specific Gravity: 3.52

Hardness: 10 Mohs
Color: Colorless (pure), can be yellow, brown, blue, green
Luster: Adamantine

Identified January 23, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed deep within the Earth's mantle (150-200 km) under extreme pressure and high temperature. They are brought to the surface through deep-seated volcanic eruptions called kimberlite or lamproite pipes. Geological age ranges from 1 to 3.5 billion years.

Uses & applications

High-end jewelry, industrial abrasives for cutting and drilling, thermal conductors in electronics, and use in high-pressure scientific experiments (diamond anvil cells).

Geological facts

Diamond is the hardest natural substance known to man. The largest diamond ever found was the Cullinan Diamond, weighing 3,106 carats. It is the birthstone for the month of April.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its extreme hardness (cannot be scratched by any other natural material), high refractive index (brilliance), and characteristic octahedral or dodecahedral crystal habit. Commonly found in alluvial deposits or within kimberlite pipes located in ancient continental cratons such as those in Botswana, Russia, and Canada.