A diamond is the best-known gemstone mineral. It is the hardest of all the minerals. It can scratch every other mineral. A diamond can cut anything. Some small diamonds are used to make cutting tools.

A diamond is very rare and hard to find. A diamond found today is billions of years old. It formed inside old volcanoes where there was incredible heat and pressure. South Africa is home to many diamond mines. Miners must dig out tons of rock for every diamond that is found.

A diamond is hard and colorless. Graphite is soft and dark. It is used as pencil lead. Diamond and graphite are both made from carbon. Which mineral forms depends on what happens to the carbon in nature.

Weight, color, clarity and cut determine the value of a diamond. It must be cut with care in order to become a beautiful jewel. A jeweler must cut and polish many sides or facets. Then this gemstone mineral will reflect light. When cut with skill, a diamond flashes and sparkles.