Gemstone profile and identification guide
No gemstone has a stronger reputation for durability than diamond, and that reputation is grounded in crystal structure rather than marketing. Its exceptional hardness, high lustre, and ability to return crisp light make it central to both jewellery and industrial applications.
No gemstone has a stronger reputation for durability than diamond, and that reputation is grounded in crystal structure rather than marketing. Its exceptional hardness, high lustre, and ability to return crisp light make it central to both jewellery and industrial applications.
Did you know? Diamond is simply carbon arranged in an unusually strong atomic lattice, which is why the same element can also occur as soft graphite.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Name: Diamond
Scientific classification: Native Element
Hardness: 10 Mohs
Transparency: transparent
Lustre: adamantine
Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)
Primary colour: Colourless / Clear
Secondary colour: White
Colour family: Neutrals
Hardness, adamantine brilliance, and sharp facet junctions are key clues. It is commonly compared with moissanite, white sapphire, and glass, so observation of lustre, wear resistance, and optical behaviour matters more than body colour alone.
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity fields reviewed against consensus gemological references (GIA/Gem-A/Mindat/IGS).
Some market- and locality-level details may still require citation-grade source notes for publication workflows.
Hardness category: very hard
Hardness value: 10 Mohs
Chemical composition: Carbon (C)
Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)
Common locations: Botswana, Russia, Canada, Angola, South Africa, Namibia
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Diamond sits in the neutrals grouping here, usually reading first as colourless / clear with white appearing as a secondary note or modifier.
Optical effects: Dispersion (fire)
Mineral species: Diamond
Mineral group: Native elements
Chemical formula: Carbon (C)
Mohs hardness: 10
Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)
Lustre: adamantine
Transparency: transparent
Streak: Colorless
Cleavage: Perfect octahedral cleavage
Fracture: Uneven to conchoidal
Specific gravity: 3.52
Refractive index: 2.417
Optical phenomena: Dispersion (fire)
Colour range: Colourless / Clear, White
Common inclusions: Feathers, crystals, pinpoints, and growth graining
Geological environment: Mantle-derived kimberlite and lamproite pipes with secondary alluvial deposits
Principal mining regions: Botswana, Russia, Canada, Angola, South Africa, Namibia
Important commercial sources: Major modern production includes Botswana, Russia, Canada, Angola, South Africa, and Namibia
Historical significance: Diamond has major historical significance in jewelry, industry, and gemological standards.
Common treatments: Laser drilling, fracture filling, and HPHT/irradiation color treatments occur in trade.
Synthetic or imitation forms: CVD and HPHT synthetic diamonds and simulants such as moissanite and CZ are common.
Common look-alikes: Look-alikes for Diamond depend on color and optical effects in market material.
Jewellery uses: Diamond is used chiefly for Particularly useful where durability matters alongside colour, clarity, or optical performance.. In the trade it is commonly fashioned as faceted stones, calibrated cuts, and higher-clarity collector pieces, with Mohs hardness 10 guiding suitable jewellery applications.
Care recommendations: Handle carefully, avoid impact, and clean with mild soap and water. Store separately to prevent scratches.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Diamond.
Formed deep within the Earth under extreme pressure and heat, then brought closer to the surface by volcanic eruptions. The final appearance depends on how steadily temperature, pressure, and chemistry remained balanced while the material was growing.
Major modern production includes Botswana, Russia, Canada, Angola, South Africa, and Namibia
Best for: Diamond is used chiefly for Particularly useful where durability matters alongside colour, clarity, or optical performance.. In the trade it is commonly fashioned as faceted stones, calibrated cuts, and higher-clarity collector pieces, with Mohs hardness 10 guiding suitable jewellery applications.
Ideal uses: Particularly useful where durability matters alongside colour, clarity, or optical performance.
Handle carefully, avoid impact, and clean with mild soap and water. Store separately to prevent scratches.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Compare hardness (10 Mohs), crystal system (Isometric (Cubic)), colour profile, and lustre (adamantine) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
Diamond sits in the neutrals grouping here, usually reading first as colourless / clear with white appearing as a secondary note or modifier.
Particularly useful where durability matters alongside colour, clarity, or optical performance.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Reviewed as a direct core gemstone profile.
Gem-A: gemological education and terminology (reviewed) - Reviewed as a direct core gemstone profile.
Mindat: mineral species and locality index (reviewed) - Reviewed as a direct core gemstone profile.
International Gem Society: collector-facing gem reference (reviewed) - Reviewed as a direct core gemstone profile.
