Gem-name guide / Mineral species

Diamond

C

Diamond is a mineral species made of carbon in a cubic crystal structure. Its exceptional resistance to scratching does not mean it cannot break: it has cleavage directions along which it may split.

Material or mineral family

Diamond

Name classification

Mineral species

Mohs hardness

10

Typical colour

Colourless and many coloured varieties

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Names describe materials, not the authenticity, treatment, provenance or quality of a particular specimen. Physical properties vary for mixed materials; values absent from this guide have not been estimated.