Colors
- Colorless to light yellow or brown (graded D to Z)
- Fancy colors: yellow, brown, red, pink, orange, green, blue, purple, gray, black and white
Browse other gems by color: White and colorless · Yellow · Pink · Blue · Black
Where Diamond comes from
- Formed deep below the Earth's crust and brought up in kimberlite
- The first diamonds were mined along three rivers in India
Diamond meaning and history
Ancient civilizations thought diamonds were lightning made solid.
The first recorded diamond engagement ring dates to the 15th century.
Meanings and powers attributed to gems are history and folklore. We report them; we do not claim a stone can do anything.
How hard is Diamond?
Diamond is 10 on the Mohs scale, where talc is 1, quartz 7 and diamond 10.
See every birthstone on the hardness chart
How to clean and care for Diamond
| Warm soapy water | Soak in water with a few drops of mild dish soap, then brush with a soft toothbrush |
|---|---|
| Ultrasonic cleaner | Use with caution; never for fracture filled diamonds; a jeweler should do it |
| Steam cleaner | Not covered in GIA's guide |
Avoid chlorine bleach and abrasives such as household cleansers or toothpaste.
Be gentle with fragile settings such as old prongs or tension settings.
Handle the stone sparingly; skin oils dull it.
Treatments to ask about
A grading report says whether a diamond has been treated. Fracture filled diamonds should not go in an ultrasonic cleaner.
Can you wear Diamond every day?
Great for everyday rings Hard and tough. Fine for rings worn every day. Check other stones.
Compare Diamond
Frequently asked questions
What is Diamond?
The hardest known natural material, made of a single element, carbon. Only another diamond can scratch it.
What month is Diamond the birthstone for?
April.
How hard is Diamond?
10 on the Mohs scale.
How do you clean Diamond?
Warm soapy water: soak in water with a few drops of mild dish soap, then brush with a soft toothbrush. Ultrasonic cleaner: use with caution; never for fracture filled diamonds; a jeweler should do it. Steam: not covered in GIA's guide.
What does Diamond symbolize?
Ancient civilizations thought diamonds were lightning made solid. The first recorded diamond engagement ring dates to the 15th century. These are traditions and history, not claims about what the stone can do.
Which anniversary is Diamond for?
The American Gem Society links Diamond to the 60th and 75th wedding anniversaries.
Sources
- GIA: Secrets to keep your diamond sparkling (hardness, toughness, stability, cleaning, treatments)
- AGS: April birthstone (what it is, colors, sources, history)
- American Gem Society: Birthstones (birthstone months)
Checked October 16, 2026.