Raw Diamond (Bort)
Diamond (Native Carbon) · Precious Gemstone / Industrial Mineral Specimen
Crystal System
Isometric (Cubic); typically octahedral, dodecahedral, or distorted cubes with trigonal growth pits (trigons)
Mineral Group
Native Element (Carbon group)
Chemical Formula
C (Carbon with potential trace nitrogen, boron, or inclusions)
Formation Process
Igneous; formed under extreme high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) conditions 150-200km deep in the Earth's mantle and brought to the surface via volcanic eruptions.
About This Crystal
This is a rough, industrial-grade diamond known as bort. It displays a metallic-to-adamantine luster with a dark, greenish-grey to silvery-black body color. The surface shows characteristic step-like growth patterns and a rugged, crystalline texture with semi-translucent areas.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Greyish-black; Streak: White (harder than the streak plate); Cleavage: Perfect in four directions (octahedral); Fracture: Conchoidal; Specific Gravity: 3.51–3.53; Fluorescence: Variable, often blue or yellow under Long Wave UV.
Optical Properties
Refractive Index: 2.417 (Isotropic/Singly Refractive); Dispersion: 0.044; Luster: Adamantine to greasy (in rough state). High thermal conductivity.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Primary sources include Russia, Botswana, Canada, South Africa, and DR Congo. Found in kimberlite and lamproite pipes or alluvial deposits.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs Hardness: 10 (hardest known natural substance); Toughness: Good (along planes) to brittle (cleavage directions); extremely stable against heat and chemicals.
Care & Maintenance
Cleaning: Safe with ultrasonic, steam, or warm soapy water. Storage: Store separately from all other gemstones, as it will scratch any other material. Avoid sharp impacts due to cleavage planes.
Rarity & Value
Rarity: Common (Industrial grade) to Rare (Gem grade). Value for this specific 'bort' specimen is relatively low ($20-$100/ct), whereas gem-quality, high-clarity rough of the same size would be significantly more expensive.
Special Characteristics
Contains high-pressure inclusions; exhibits extreme thermal conductivity and the highest hardness of any natural mineral. Industrial types often show 'greasy' surface textures.
Lore & History
Diamond is derived from the Greek 'adamas' (unconquerable). Historically used in ancient India for over 3,000 years; associated with strength, purity, and invincibility. In metaphysical traditions, it is linked to the Crown Chakra and eternal love.