Comparison · Precious Stones vs Igneous Rocks
Diamond vs Kimberlite
Diamond and Kimberlite are easy to confuse. Diamond is harder (Mohs 10) than Kimberlite (Mohs 5–6.5), so Diamond will scratch Kimberlite and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Diamond and Kimberlite
- Diamond is harder (Mohs 10) than Kimberlite (Mohs 5–6.5), so Diamond will scratch Kimberlite and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will.
- Diamond feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.52 versus 2.5–2.9 for Kimberlite).
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Diamond is transparent, Kimberlite is Opaque.
- They overlap in yellow and blue, but Diamond also comes in clear, pink, and black and Kimberlite also comes in gray and green.
Diamond vs Kimberlite properties
| Property | Diamond | Kimberlite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Precious Stones | Igneous Rocks |
| Mohs hardness | 10 | 5–6.5 |
| Luster | adamantine | Dull to vitreous |
| Streak | None | — |
| Transparency | transparent | Opaque |
| Specific gravity | 3.52 | 2.5–2.9 |
| Crystal system | cubic | — |
| Common colors | Colorless, Yellow, Blue, Pink, Black | Blue-gray ('blue ground'), Yellow ('yellow ground', weathered), Dark green, Gray |
| Rarity | legendary | common |
| Typical specimen value | $1000–$100000+ | $1–$75+ |
Which is more valuable?
Diamond is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $5000 against $10 for Kimberlite, and premium Diamond can reach $100000 or more.
About Diamond
Diamond is the hardest known natural material, composed of carbon atoms in a crystal structure. It's the ultimate symbol of luxury and eternal love.
About Kimberlite
Kimberlite is a rare, ultramafic igneous rock famous as the primary source rock for natural diamonds. It originates from partial melting deep in Earth's mantle, often more than one hundred fifty kilometers down, and erupts violently through narrow, carrot-shaped volcanic pipes. Named after Kimberley, South Africa, where major diamond-bearing pipes were first mined, it is a chaotic mixture of olivine, mica, and fragments picked up from surrounding rock on its way to the surface.
Diamond vs Kimberlite FAQ
Is Diamond the same as Kimberlite?
No. Diamond is a precious stone while Kimberlite is a igneous rock. Diamond is harder (Mohs 10) than Kimberlite (Mohs 5–6.5), so Diamond will scratch Kimberlite and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will.
How can you tell Diamond from Kimberlite?
Diamond is harder (Mohs 10) than Kimberlite (Mohs 5–6.5), so Diamond will scratch Kimberlite and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will. Diamond feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.52 versus 2.5–2.9 for Kimberlite). Hold a thin edge to the light: Diamond is transparent, Kimberlite is Opaque.
Which is harder, Diamond or Kimberlite?
Diamond is harder: Mohs 10 against Mohs 5–6.5 for Kimberlite.
Which is more valuable, Diamond or Kimberlite?
Diamond is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $5000 against $10 for Kimberlite, and premium Diamond can reach $100000 or more.
