Diamond
Native Carbon var. Diamond · Precious Gemstone
Crystal System
Cubic (Isometric); habit follows octahedrons, dodecahedrons, and cubes; this specimen is a round brilliant cut
Mineral Group
Native Elements
Chemical Formula
C
Formation Process
Igneous/High-Pressure: Formed deep in the Earth's mantle (150-200km) under extreme pressure and temperature, transported to the surface by volcanic eruptions
About This Crystal
A colorless, transparent faceted gemstone with an adamantine luster. The photo shows an 'Old European' or 'Transitional' round cut with high dispersion (fire), exhibiting internal reflections of light and shadows.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Colorless to faint yellow/brown; Streak: White (harder than streak plate); Cleavage: Perfect in four directions (octahedral); Fracture: Conchoidal; Specific Gravity: 3.52; Fluorescence: Often blue under UV light
Optical Properties
Refractive Index: 2.417 (Singly Refractive); Birefringence: None; Dispersion: 0.044 (High fire/spectral colors); Luster: Adamantine
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Russia (Siberia), Botswana, Canada, South Africa, and Australia; found in Kimberlite and Lamproite pipes
Hardness & Durability
Mohs Hardness: 10 (hardest known natural mineral); Toughness: Fair to Good (brittle due to perfect cleavage); Stability: High, resistant to chemicals and most heat
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water or ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid hard impacts that could trigger cleavage fractures. Store separately to prevent scratching other gemstones.
Rarity & Value
Highly valued; price determined by the '4 Cs' (Carat, cut, color, clarity). Common treatments include laser drilling or HPHT to improve color/clarity.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional adamantine luster and high dispersion (spectral 'fire'). May exhibit blue fluorescence or phosphorescence in some specimens.
Lore & History
Symbol of eternal love and strength. Historically used as engraving tools and talismans in ancient India; became the standard for engagement rings in the 20th century.