Is Diamond hard enough for everyday rings?

Yes. At a Mohs hardness of 10, Diamond is durable enough for daily-wear rings; it resists the scratches that everyday surfaces inflict.

How can I tell Diamond from moissanite?

Diamond and moissanite can look alike to the naked eye, but they differ in measurable properties — refractive index (2.417–2.419 for Diamond), specific gravity (3.5–3.53), and hardness (Mohs 10). A gemologist confirms the distinction with a refractometer and loupe; the Jewelry Identifier app gives a fast first read from a photo.

Does Diamond come in colors other than colorless?

Yes. Diamond occurs in colorless, yellow, brown, pink, blue, green, red, black. Color is driven by trace elements and treatment history, and it is one of the biggest factors in a stone's value.

* diamond gemstone

Diamond: identification, value, and how to spot a fake

Hardest natural material known. Forms under high pressure ~150km below Earth's surface. Lab-grown diamonds (HPHT and CVD processes) are gemologically identical to natural; require specialized testing to distinguish.

Published May 30, 2026

Quick facts

Mineral family: diamond
Chemical formula: C
Mohs hardness: 10
Refractive index: 2.417–2.419
Specific gravity: 3.5–3.53
Crystal system: cubic
Luster: adamantine
Dispersion: 0.044
Birthstone month: April

Colors

Diamond is found in colorless, yellow, brown, pink, blue, green, red, black. The body color, its saturation, and how evenly it spreads through the stone are among the strongest drivers of value.

How to tell real from imitation

No single test settles it, but a few grounded checks quickly narrow things down for Diamond. Hardness, brilliance, and the list of stones it is commonly confused with all give you something concrete to look for.

Scratch resistance: genuine Diamond sits at Mohs 10, so it should resist scratching from softer materials — a stone that mars far too easily is suspect.
Brilliance & luster: Diamond shows a adamantine luster and a refractive index of 2.417–2.419; imitations often look glassier or flatter under the same light.
Density: a real Diamond has a specific gravity near 3.5–3.53, so it feels heavier or lighter in the hand than many look-alikes of the same size.
Commonly imitated by: moissanite, cubic zirconia, white sapphire, white topaz, white zircon. If a deal looks too good, suspect one of these substitutes first.
Fast first read: photograph the stone in the Jewelry Identifier app to estimate the gemstone and its likely value range, then confirm anything important with a gemological lab.

Common treatments

HPHT color enhancement
irradiation
laser drilling
fracture filling

Treatments are routine for many Diamond stones, but they materially affect value and should always be disclosed — an untreated, lab-certified stone commands a clear premium over a treated one.

What to know about Diamond

Sources

Wikidata Q5283

* Frequently asked

FAQ

Q. Is Diamond hard enough for everyday rings?: A. Yes. At a Mohs hardness of 10, Diamond is durable enough for daily-wear rings; it resists the scratches that everyday surfaces inflict.
Q. How can I tell Diamond from moissanite?: A. Diamond and moissanite can look alike to the naked eye, but they differ in measurable properties — refractive index (2.417–2.419 for Diamond), specific gravity (3.5–3.53), and hardness (Mohs 10). A gemologist confirms the distinction with a refractometer and loupe; the Jewelry Identifier app gives a fast first read from a photo.
Q. Does Diamond come in colors other than colorless?: A. Yes. Diamond occurs in colorless, yellow, brown, pink, blue, green, red, black. Color is driven by trace elements and treatment history, and it is one of the biggest factors in a stone's value.

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