Diamond[a] is a gemstone formed by cutting a raw diamond. Diamonds have high monetary value as one of the best-known and most sought-after gems, and they have been used as decorative items since ancient times.

Diamond is the only gem composed of one single element: carbon. Most diamonds formed more than a billion years ago, deep in the earth’s mantle. The human contribution to a diamond’s beauty is a well-executed cut. Clarity grades assess the number, size, relief, and position of inclusions and blemishes. The less color, the higher the grade.

Apr 2, 2025 · A diamond is a mineral composed of pure carbon. It is the hardest naturally occurring substance known; it is also the most popular gemstone. Because of their extreme hardness, diamonds have a number of important industrial applications.

Diamond as a Gemstone. Diamonds are the world's most popular gemstones. Many times more money is spent on diamonds than on all other gemstones combined. Part of the reason for diamond's popularity is a result of its optical properties - or how it reacts with light.

Diamond is also the gem that marks the 60 th and 75 th wedding anniversaries. Diamond’s unique optical and physical properties give it the highest possible luster of any transparent gemstone. This is called adamantine luster after the Greek word Adamas meaning diamond-like.

Mar 19, 2020 · Diamonds are brilliant, illustrious carbon minerals known as the king of gemstones. As one of the hardest minerals on earth, diamonds’ structure and global prestige are virtually unbreakable.

Diamond, the most famed and fabled of all gemstones, is very unique in many ways. Renowned for being the hardest substance on earth, its sparkling fire, durability, and rarity make Diamond the most prized of all gems.

Jul 1, 2024 · Diamonds are one of the most precious and valuable gemstones in the world, known for their exceptional hardness, brilliance, and durability. They are formed deep within the earth over millions of years under intense heat and pressure, and are typically found in kimberlite pipes or alluvial deposits.

This Diamond gemstone guide lists qualities of the Diamond gem type, including stone colors, common names, meanings, gemstone hardness and more.

Diamond is much more than the world’s most popular gemstone and hardest natural material. Today man-made diamonds are being used in computers, speakers, cutting tools, bearings, laser windows, wear-resistant parts and much more.