Precious Stones · legendary
Diamond
Diamond is the hardest known natural material, composed of carbon atoms in a crystal structure. It's the ultimate symbol of luxury and eternal love.
Also known as: engagement ring, hardest mineral, precious gem.
Diamond properties at a glance
| Type | Precious Stones |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | C |
| Mohs hardness | 10 |
| Crystal system | cubic |
| Luster | adamantine |
| Streak | None |
| Cleavage | Perfect octahedral |
| Fracture | Conchoidal |
| Specific gravity | 3.52 |
| Transparency | transparent |
| Common colors | Colorless, Yellow, Blue, Pink, Black |
| Rarity | legendary |
Geology & background
Forms under extreme pressure and temperature 150-200km below Earth's surface, then brought up by volcanic eruptions.
Prized since ancient India, diamonds became symbols of power and wealth throughout history.
How to identify Diamond
- Check whether the specimen's color and texture match typical Diamond examples.
- Photograph a fresh surface in natural light and avoid shadows, glare, or wet surfaces.
- Use hardness, streak, luster, grain size, and locality together; no single trait is enough for every specimen.
Full Diamond identification guide: checklist, home tests and look-alikes →
Diamond vs similar stones
Not sure it isn't something else? Side-by-side comparisons with the stones most often confused with Diamond.
Where Diamond is found
Diamond is reported from multiple localities or geological settings. Exact locality should be verified from specimen provenance, maps, or field notes.
How much is Diamond worth?
| Entry-level specimen | $1000 |
|---|---|
| Typical collector specimen | $5000 |
| Premium specimen | $100000+ |
Value depends on size, condition, color, crystal quality, locality, rarity, preparation, and provenance. Treat this as educational guidance, not an appraisal.
Common uses
- Jewelry
- Industrial cutting
- Scientific instruments
Interesting facts
- Hardest natural substance on Earth
- Takes 1-3 billion years to form naturally
- Can conduct heat 5 times better than copper
Care & safety
Treat Diamond as a collector specimen unless hardness, cleavage, and fracture are confirmed.
Avoid inhaling dust. Do not cut, grind, or polish unknown specimens without eye protection and a properly rated respirator.
Diamond FAQ
What is Diamond?
Diamond is the hardest known natural material, composed of carbon atoms in a crystal structure. It's the ultimate symbol of luxury and eternal love.
How much is Diamond worth?
Entry-level Diamond specimens sell for around $1000, a typical collector specimen for about $5000, and premium pieces for $100000 or more. Value depends on size, condition, color, crystal quality, locality, rarity, preparation, and provenance. Treat this as educational guidance, not an appraisal.
How hard is Diamond?
Diamond has a Mohs hardness of 10. It scratches glass, steel and even quartz; only harder gems will mark it.
Where is Diamond found?
Notable sources of Diamond include South Africa, Russia, Botswana, Canada, and Australia. Forms under extreme pressure and temperature 150-200km below Earth's surface, then brought up by volcanic eruptions..
What is Diamond used for?
Diamond is used for jewelry, industrial cutting, and scientific instruments.
