Diamond in Kimberlite
Carbon var. Diamond · Precious Gemstone
Crystal System
Cubic (Isometric), octahedral crystal habit
Mineral Group
Native Elements
Chemical Formula
C
Formation Process
Metamorphic and Igneous; forms deep within the Earth's mantle under extreme high pressure and high temperature conditions, then rapidly transported to the surface by explosive volcanic eruptions in kimberlite magma
About This Crystal
The specimen shows small, rounded to octahedral diamond crystal xenocrysts embedded within a dark, grey-to-black, coarse-grained kimberlite matrix with brownish-yellow alteration and mica/olivine inclusions
Physical Characteristics
Color ranges from colorless to greyish-white for the diamond grains with a white streak; perfect octahedral cleavage in four directions; conchoidal fracture; specific gravity of approximately 3.52; brittle tenacity; adamantine luster on crystal faces
Optical Properties
Singly refractive (isotropic); very high refractive index of 2.417; exceptionally high dispersion (fire) of 0.044; may exhibit blue or yellow fluorescence under ultraviolet light
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
South Africa, Yakutia in Russia, Botswana, Canada, Australia; found in ultra-basic volcanic rock known as kimberlite pipes
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 10, the hardest known naturally occurring mineral; excellent wearability for jewelry, though vulnerable to cleavage along octahedral planes if struck sharply
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush or specialized jewelry cleaner; store separately to avoid scratching other gems; resistant to most chemicals but vulnerable to extreme thermal shock
Rarity & Value
Extremely rare in gemstone quality; gem-grade diamonds command very high prices based on the 4Cs (Carat, Color, Clarity, Cut); industrial grade and low-quality mineral specimens are more common
Special Characteristics
Adheres to lipophilicity (repels water, attracts grease); exceptional thermal conductivity; high refractive index and dispersion creating intense fire and brilliance; often exhibits blue fluorescence under UV
Lore & History
Historically revered as a symbol of invincibility, eternal love, and purity, known since ancient India; used in modern crystal healing to represent clarity, spiritual evolution, and amplification of energy (noted as traditional beliefs)