AllMineralsRock
Corundum Vs. Diamond
Corundum is a very popular mineral composed of aluminum oxide.[1] Diamond is also a very popular precious gemstone and its chemical composition is carbon.[2]
Quick Facts on Differences of Corundum and Diamond
For a quick recap of the differences corundum and diamond:- For chemical formulas, corundum is Al2O3 while diamond is C.
- While both corundum and diamond can be adamantine, in terms of luster, corundum can be vitreous.
- Corundum can be commonly blue, brown, green, pink or red while diamond can be commonly colorless.
- Corundum's rarity is less rare than diamond.
- Corundum's specific gravity is higher than diamond - corundum ranges from 3.99 to 4 and diamond ranges from 2.9 to 3.5.
Quick Facts on Similarities of Corundum and Diamond
The similarities of corundum and diamond include:- Corundum and diamond both can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
- Corundum and diamond both streak white.
- Corundum's hardness is similar to diamond - they both are 9 on the Moh's scale.
Summary of Corundum
Corundum is a mineral that is commonly found in metamorphic and igneous rocks. It is composed of aluminum oxide and can be identified by its hardness and crystal structure. Corundum has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the hardest minerals known to man. Its crystal structure is hexagonal, with six-sided prisms and pyramids that form a beautiful and distinctive crystal habit.Summary of Diamond
Diamond is a rare and valuable mineral that is highly sought after for its beauty and durability. It is composed of pure carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure, making it the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth. The unique properties of diamond make it highly suitable for use in a variety of applications, from jewelry to industrial tools and equipment.Table Comparison of Corundum vs Diamond
| Corundum (src) | Diamond (src) | |
|---|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque | transparent, translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | Al2O3 | C |
| Chemical Composition | aluminum oxide | carbon |
| Specific Gravity | 3.99, 4, 4.1 | 2.9, 3.5, 3.515 |
| Hardness | 9 | 9 |
| Streak | white | white |
| Refractive Index | 1.757, 1.779 | 2.417 |
| Hydrous | No | No |
| Colors | common: green, red, blue, pink, brown sometimes: amber, yellow, colorless less common: gray, black, white, orange, purple, violet, striped, gold, multicolor |
common: colorless sometimes: blue, white, yellow less common: red, gray, pink, black, brown, green, orange, purple, violet |
| Fracture | conchoidal, uneven | conchoidal |