Raw diamonds are diamonds in their natural state, just as they’re found deep within the earth. Before they’re cut and polished, they’re often rough, uneven, and jagged. They come in all sorts of sizes and shapes, and while they don’t have the sparkle we’re used to seeing, they still hold the same value inside.
It’s important to know how to identify a raw diamond, as it can easily be confused with other minerals. By learning the key features of raw diamonds, you’ll know if it’s something worth keeping or just another rock. Whether you’re a gem enthusiast, a collector, or just someone on the lookout for diamonds, knowing how to identify them will help save you time and money.
What Is a Raw Diamond?
A raw diamond is a diamond straight from the earth, untouched and unshaped. It hasn’t gone through the cutting and polishing process that turns it into the sparkling gem we see in jewelry. Instead, it’s rough, uneven, and may look cloudy or dull because of natural imperfections inside. Raw diamonds come in different sizes, colors, and clarity levels, with their true beauty hidden beneath their rugged surface.
The main difference between a raw diamond and a cut diamond is how they look. Cut diamonds are carefully shaped and polished to bring out their shine and sparkle, with smooth surfaces and sharp angles. Raw diamonds, on the other hand, keep their natural, unrefined look. While they may not sparkle as much as cut diamonds, they still have the same chemical makeup and value, making them highly sought after by collectors and gem enthusiasts.
Features of Raw Diamonds
Shape and Structure
Raw diamonds come in all kinds of shapes, but they usually follow natural geometric patterns. The most common shapes are octahedral (like an 8-sided pyramid) and dodecahedral (which has 12 faces). These shapes form deep inside the Earth as the diamond grows. Unlike the shiny, polished diamonds you see in jewelry, raw diamonds often look rough and uneven, with a softer light reflection.
Color
Raw diamonds can be more colorful than you might expect. While many are colorless or off-white, they can also show shades of yellow, brown, or even have hints of green, blue, or pink. These colors happen because of natural impurities that mix in as the diamond forms. So, don’t be surprised if a raw diamond looks a little yellow or brown compared to the clear, sparkling diamonds you’re used to.
Texture and Surface
Raw diamonds feel rough and jagged, which is very different from the smooth, polished ones. The surface might seem uneven, but this natural texture gives them a rustic charm. You might also notice flat surfaces or facets that formed as part of the diamond’s crystal structure. These facets don’t shine like polished diamonds, but they show the diamond’s true form and potential.
Size and Weight
Raw diamonds come in all sizes, from tiny pebbles to larger chunks. They can also be surprisingly heavy because diamonds are dense. Even though raw diamonds may look rough, they feel solid and substantial when you hold them. Their weight is a good sign of their value, as diamonds are much heavier than most other stones. So, if a rock feels heavier than it looks, it could very well be a raw diamond!
How to Identify a Raw Diamond
Visual Clues
A raw diamond often has a rough, crystal-like texture and a shape that looks like two pyramids joined at the base, reflecting its natural atomic structure. Using a jeweler’s loupe, you can also spot natural flat surfaces called facets that form during crystallization. These facets are usually uneven, giving the stone a rugged, natural look.
Test Its Hardness
Diamonds are the hardest natural material, ranking 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. They won’t scratch easily. Try gently scratching the stone with something like glass or steel. If it’s a real diamond, it won’t show any scratches. Be careful not to damage the stone by pressing too hard or using the wrong tools.
Check How Much Light Passes Through
Raw diamonds aren’t as clear as cut diamonds. Hold the stone up to the light and see if some light passes through. They’re often cloudy or milky but might have a faint glow or slight translucence.
Inclusions
Raw diamonds often contain inclusions, which are tiny imperfections or mineral deposits trapped inside the stone during its formation. These inclusions are a good indicator that the stone might be a diamond. They can appear as specks, lines, or cloudy areas and are completely natural. Unlike fake diamonds or other minerals, inclusions in raw diamonds are usually random and unique.
Conducting a Scratch Test
Another way to check is by gently rubbing the stone on a piece of glass. A real diamond will scratch the glass without being damaged. Just remember, other hard stones like quartz can also scratch glass, so consider other features like density and shine to confirm.
Density Test for Raw Diamonds
What Is the Density Test?
A density test is an easy way to check if a stone is a raw diamond. Diamonds are very dense, which means they feel heavier and more compact than many other materials. This test works by comparing the stone’s weight to its size. If the stone’s density is similar to that of a diamond, it's a good sign that it might be a real one. The density of diamonds is around 3.5 to 3.53 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³).
How to Do the Density Test
Here’s a simple way to perform the density test:
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Weigh the Stone: Start by measuring the stone's weight in grams using a scale. Be sure to get an accurate reading.
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Measure the Volume: To figure out the volume of the stone, use water displacement. Fill a small container with water and note the water level. Then, carefully drop the stone into the water. The rise in the water level shows how much space the stone takes up, which tells you its volume in cubic centimeters (cm³).
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Calculate the Density: Now, divide the stone's weight by the volume. The formula is:
Density = Weight (grams) ÷ Volume (cm³) -
Compare the Result: A raw diamond has a density between 3.5 and 3.53 g/cm³. If the result is much lower or higher, your stone is probably not a diamond.
Why It’s Useful
The density test is helpful because diamonds are one of the densest materials on Earth. Other minerals that look like raw diamonds, such as quartz or glass, are much lighter. By comparing the density, you can tell if your stone is the real deal or at least something very close to it!
Thermal Conductivity Test
What Is It?
A thermal conductivity test helps identify raw diamonds by testing how they react to heat. Diamonds are great at conducting heat, much better than most other materials. When heat touches a diamond, it spreads quickly through the stone, making it feel cooler than other minerals. By seeing how fast a stone conducts heat, you can tell if it's likely a diamond.
Using a Thermal Conductivity Probe
To do the test, you'll need a thermal conductivity probe. This small device measures how fast heat moves through a material. It's commonly used by gemologists, and you can buy one if you'd like to try it yourself. To use it, simply place the probe against the stone and turn it on. The probe will give you a reading showing how well the stone conducts heat.
How It Works
Diamonds conduct heat so well because of their special crystal structure. When heat touches a diamond, it quickly spreads through the entire stone, making diamonds feel cold to the touch, even at room temperature. Other stones, like quartz or glass, might look like diamonds, but they don't conduct heat as efficiently. When tested, these stones feel warmer because they don't transfer heat as fast as diamonds do.
Where Raw Diamonds Come From
Raw diamonds can be found in different places, and each source has its own unique way of forming and being discovered. Here’s a breakdown of where raw diamonds come from:
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Kimberlite Pipes
The most well-known source of raw diamonds is kimberlite pipes. These are deep, vertical shafts of volcanic rock that carry diamonds from deep within the Earth to the surface. When a volcano erupts, it brings diamonds up with the lava, trapping them inside the kimberlite rock. Mining companies then dig into these pipes to extract the diamonds. Famous kimberlite mines can be found in places like South Africa, Canada, and Australia.
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Lamproite Pipes
Lamproite pipes are similar to kimberlite pipes, but they are less common. Found in areas like parts of Australia, these volcanic rocks can also hold diamonds. Some diamond mines explore lamproite pipes for potential diamond finds.
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Alluvial Deposits
After diamonds are brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions, they can be washed away by rivers and end up in alluvial deposits. These deposits are found in riverbeds, along coastlines, or even in dry areas. Mining for diamonds here involves sifting through sand and gravel, where the diamonds have been naturally sorted by water. Namibia and Brazil are known for their alluvial diamond deposits.
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Impact Sites
Diamonds can also form where meteorites have hit the Earth. The intense heat and pressure from the impact can create diamonds, although this is a rare occurrence. These impact diamonds are usually smaller and are found near craters or old impact sites.
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Marine Deposits
In coastal regions, diamonds can be found beneath the ocean floor. Rivers carry diamonds to the sea, where they settle on the ocean floor. In places like Namibia, special ships and technology are used to mine diamonds directly from the ocean.
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Secondary Sources
Diamonds can sometimes be found in other materials, like metamorphic rocks or glacial deposits. These secondary sources are less common but can still contain raw diamonds that have traveled long distances due to glaciers or other natural processes.
How to Tell if You Have a Raw Diamond
Identifying a raw diamond involves a few simple steps. First, look for the shape – raw diamonds often resemble two pyramids joined together. You might also notice natural flat surfaces, known as facets. To test its hardness, try scratching the stone.
Diamonds are the hardest natural material, so if it resists scratching, it's a good sign. You can also do a density test since diamonds are heavier than most other materials.
Another test is checking how well the stone conducts heat; diamonds are known for their ability to do this. While these tests can give you clues, having a professional gemologist take a look is always a good idea. They have the tools and expertise to confirm whether you’ve found a real diamond and determine its true value.
FAQs
How do I identify a raw diamond?
Raw diamonds can be tricky to identify, but there are a few things to look for. They have a glass-like shine, a rough texture, and natural facets. They’re also heavier than most other stones. You can also test its hardness (diamonds are the hardest material) or check how it conducts heat to confirm it's a diamond.
Where can raw diamonds be found?
Raw diamonds are usually found in places like diamond mines, riverbeds, and even on beaches. They’re also brought to the surface from deep underground in volcanic rocks called kimberlite pipes.
What do raw diamonds look like?
Raw diamonds look like rough, jagged stones. They may be clear or have slight tints of yellow, brown, pink, or even green. They can come in different shapes, like octahedral (double pyramid) or dodecahedral (multi-faced).
How can I tell if a raw diamond is real?
You can tell if a raw diamond is real by doing a few tests. It can scratch glass (because diamonds are the hardest material), it conducts heat very well, and you can often see small imperfections called inclusions inside the stone.
Are raw diamonds valuable?
Raw diamonds can be valuable, depending on their size, quality, and color. While they aren’t as expensive as cut diamonds, some high-quality rough diamonds can still fetch a good price, especially if they are used for custom jewelry.
Can raw diamonds be used in jewelry?
Yes, raw diamonds are often used in jewelry. In fact, many people like to keep them uncut to preserve their natural look. This trend is growing, as it highlights the unique, unpolished beauty of the diamond.
How do raw diamonds differ from cut diamonds?
The biggest difference is that cut diamonds are shaped and polished to bring out their shine, while raw diamonds stay in their natural state. Raw diamonds aren’t as sparkly, but they have a distinct, earthy beauty that many people appreciate.
How much does a raw diamond cost?
The cost of a raw diamond depends on its size, quality, and origin. Raw diamonds are usually less expensive than cut diamonds, but some large or high-quality rough diamonds can still be quite valuable.
Can I find raw diamonds myself?
While it’s possible to find raw diamonds in places like riverbeds or beaches, it’s not easy. Most raw diamonds are buried deep underground in mines.
