What Is My Birthstone?
April Birthstone: Diamond
Diamond
Diamond is the April birthstone, the hardest natural material and the only birthstone made of a single element, carbon. Colorless diamonds are the classic pick, but natural fancy colors in yellow, brown, pink and blue are all diamonds too.
Diamond's hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale means nothing else scratches it, which is why it survives daily wear better than any other gem. That same hardness makes it easy to test against look-alikes, since a diamond will scratch sapphire and everything softer.
If diamond is out of budget, clear quartz (rock crystal) and white sapphire are the usual alternates for April, and lab-grown diamond is chemically identical to mined stone.
April birthstones at a glance
- Modern birthstone: Diamond
- Traditional birthstone: Diamond
- Alternates: Quartz, Sapphire
- Color: colorless (also yellow, brown, pink and blue)
- Traditionally associated with strength, eternity and clarity
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.
| Type | Precious Stones |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | C |
| Mohs hardness | 10 |
| Crystal system | cubic |
| Luster | adamantine |
| Streak | None |
| Cleavage | Perfect octahedral |
- Hardest natural substance on Earth
- Takes 1-3 billion years to form naturally
- Can conduct heat 5 times better than copper
How to tell real Diamond at a glance
- Color: Colorless, Yellow, Blue, Pink, Black. Look at a clean, dry surface in daylight. Color zoning, banding or spots are as diagnostic as the hue.
- Luster: Adamantine. Fresh surfaces shine like glass; a dull surface usually means weathering, so chip or wet a corner.
- Transparency: Transparent. Hold a thin edge up to a bright light and note whether light passes through.
- Mohs hardness: 10. It scratches glass, steel and even quartz; only harder gems will mark it.
Other stones on this page
Frequently asked questions
What is the birthstone for April?
The modern April birthstone is Diamond. Quartz, Sapphire are also used.
What color is the April birthstone?
Diamond is colorless (also yellow, brown, pink and blue).
What is a cheaper April birthstone?
Clear quartz and white sapphire are common alternates. Lab-grown diamond is real diamond at a lower price, and cubic zirconia is a look-alike, not a diamond.
How can I tell diamond from cubic zirconia at home?
CZ is noticeably heavier for its size, fogs longer when breathed on, and often looks too perfect with rainbow fire. A diamond tester or jeweler's loupe settles it.
