Diamond
Image: Robert M. Lavinsky (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameDiamond
Chemical FormulaC
Mohs Hardness10
Crystal Systemcubic
Lusteradamantine
Streak Colorcolorless
Cleavageperfect on {111}
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity3.52
Colorscolorless, yellow, brown, green, blue, pink, red, black
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalitySouth Africa
Mineral GroupNative Elements
Usesjewelry, industrial abrasives, cutting tools, drilling bits
Associated Mineralsolivine, pyroxene, garnet, chromite, ilmenite
Rarityrare
Description
This image shows a rare, stunning, and rather thick twinned diamond crystal, known as a macle, exhibiting excellent clarity. It typically appears as a brilliant, often colorless or subtly tinted crystal with sharp facets.
Geological Context
Diamonds form under extremely high pressure and temperature conditions deep within the Earth's mantle, typically at depths of 150-250 km. They are brought to the surface through volcanic eruptions in kimberlite and lamproite pipes.
