Diamond
Image: Stephen Durham from Pine Bluff, AR, USA (CC BY 2.0)
Mineral NameDiamond
Chemical FormulaC
Mohs Hardness10
Crystal Systemcubic
Lusteradamantine
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect in four directions (octahedral)
Fractureconchoidal to uneven
Specific Gravity3.52
Colorscolorless, yellow, brown, blue, green, pink, red, orange, black
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalitySouth Africa, Botswana, Russia, Canada, Australia, Brazil, India
Mineral GroupNative Elements
Usesjewelry, industrial abrasives, cutting tools, drilling bits
Associated Mineralsolivine, pyroxene, garnet, chromite, ilmenite, phlogopite
Rarityuncommon
Description
A brilliant, colorless princess-cut diamond set in a metal ring, displaying strong adamantine luster and fire. The square shape with numerous facets reflects light intensely, creating a dazzling effect.
Geological Context
Diamonds form under extreme pressure and high temperature deep within the Earth's mantle, typically at depths of 150-200 km. They are brought to the surface through volcanic eruptions in kimberlite and lamproite pipes.
