Native Elements: Diamond

Composition: C

Crystal system: Isometric; crystals commonly flattened octahedral or dodecahedral

3.2.1 Argyle minesite

Properties:

• Adamantine to greasy lustre
• Varied color, including white, blue and Argyle pink
• White streak
• Knife does not scratch (Mohs Hardness 10)
• Above average density
• Four perfect cleavages
• Cleaves rather than fractures
• Not ferromagnetic
• Does not react with hydrochloric acid (HCl)

Occurrence:

Diamonds were formed at great depths in the earth and carried to the near surface by unusual magmas known as kimberlites and lamproites. They occur as inclusions in these intrusive pipes and also in gem gravels in rivers and along coastlines where diamond-bearing pipes have been partially or completely eroded away .

3.2.2 boart	3.2.3 lamproite

3.2.4 mine production	3.2.5 white pink champagne

Diamonds are one of the most valuable commodities, with both gem and industrial uses depending on size, shape, color and quality.