Raw Diamond How To Identify

Have you ever come across a rough, shiny stone and wondered if it could be a raw diamond? The idea of holding a precious diamond in its natural form is exciting! But before you get too thrilled, let’s learn how to identify a raw diamond step by step.

How to Identify a Raw Diamond

Identify a raw diamond by checking its hardness, crystal structure, and light reflection. A real raw diamond ranks 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, has an octahedral or cubic shape, and does not sparkle like cut diamonds. It appears cloudy or greasy and scratches glass easily. A diamond tester confirms authenticity.

Before you start testing potential diamonds, it’s helpful to know what a rough diamond actually is. They’re quite different from the sparkling gems you see in jewellery stores.

What is a Raw Diamond?

A rough diamond, also called a rough diamond, is a diamond in its natural state, exactly as it’s found in the earth. It hasn’t been cut or polished, so it doesn’t have the sparkling shine of a finished diamond.

Think of it this way:

• Rough diamond: A diamond in its natural, unrefined form, like a rough stone. It may look more like a piece of rock than a gem.
• Polished diamond: A diamond that has been carefully cut and polished to maximize its brilliance and sparkle. This is the look most people are familiar with.

Characteristics of a rough diamond:

• Variety: Rough diamonds come in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. They’re not all perfectly clear and white.
• Shape: They are often rough, irregularly shaped, with sharp edges and may have inclusions (natural flaws). They don’t have a smooth, polished surface.
• Appearance: Even though they may not be as visually appealing as polished diamonds, rough diamonds have a unique beauty and are often used in jewellery to show off their natural, pure form. They have a more earthy and organic beauty.

Understanding what a rough diamond looks like is the first step to identifying it. It’s important to know what to expect in terms of shape, color and clarity.

Raw Diamond How To Identify

1. Color: What Does a Raw Diamond Look Like?

Most people picture diamonds as crystal clear and sparkling, but rough diamonds often don’t match that image exactly. They can show a variety of colors and may not have perfect clarity.

Why Color matters:

Diamonds are formed under great pressure and heat within the Earth. This intense formation process gives them their unique color and texture. A stone that looks too perfect and glassy is probably not a diamond.

What to look for:

• Color range: Rough diamonds can be white, yellow, brown, Gray or other subtle shades. They’re not always completely colorless. Color variations are normal and natural.
• Clarity: Rough diamonds can look a little cloudy or oily. They’re not always crystal clear. Inclusions and other internal features are common.
• Transparency: If you find a perfectly transparent stone, it’s probably quartz, not a diamond. Diamonds are often somewhat translucent rather than completely transparent. They allow light to pass through, but not all the way through.

Don’t expect a rough diamond to look exactly like a finished, polished diamond. Their color and clarity can vary considerably. A cloudy appearance or less-than-perfect color does not disqualify a stone as a diamond. In fact, these characteristics can be positive signs! They indicate a natural origin.

2. Checking the shape: Is It Sharp or Rounded?

Have you found a stone that you suspect might be a diamond? Let’s talk about shape, which is an important clue in identifying rough diamonds. They certainly don’t resemble the polished, sparkling gems you see in jewellery.

Shape: Is it pointed or round?

Rough diamonds usually have a rough, irregular shape with sharp edges and flat surfaces. They don’t have a smooth, rounded shape like the pebbles found in a river bed.

Why Shape matters:

Diamonds are exceptionally hard. This hardness prevents them from wearing down and becoming smooth over time, unlike softer stones. Their shape reflects this inherent durability.

What to look for:

• Sharp, distinct edges: Rough diamonds have sharp, distinct edges. They’re not usually rounded or worn smooth. This sharpness is an important indicator.
• Relatively flat surfaces (facets): You may notice some relatively flat surfaces or facets on a rough diamond. These are the result of the crystal’s natural growth pattern and are not polished smooth.
• Overall irregularity: The overall shape of a rough diamond is often irregular and uneven. It is not a perfectly symmetrical shape. It looks more like a fragment of something than a carefully crafted form.
• Lack of smoothness: Unlike river stones, which become smooth due to water erosion, diamonds retain their sharp and grainy structure. They are not polished by nature’s elements.

Raw diamonds look rough! Their sharp edges, flat surfaces and irregular shapes are signs of their hardness and natural formation. If a stone looks too smooth and round, it’s probably not a diamond. Looking rough and uneven is a good start.

3. Hardness Test: Can It Scratch Glass?

Think you’ve found a diamond? One of the most important characteristics to check is hardness. Diamonds are renowned for their exceptional hardness.

Hardness: Can it scratch glass?

Diamonds rank a perfect 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them the hardest natural substance. This extreme hardness is a defining characteristic.

Why Hardness matters:

If a stone is very soft or scratches easily, it’s definitely not a diamond. Hardness is a fundamental property that distinguishes diamonds from many other minerals.

How to test:

• Scratch test: A simple way to get an initial idea of ​​hardness is to try scratching glass with your stone.
• What to expect: If your stone leaves a scratch on the glass, it may be a diamond. Diamonds are one of the few materials hard enough to scratch glass. This is a promising sign.
• Important note: While this test can be helpful, it’s not conclusive. Other stones like quartz and topaz can also scratch glass. So, if your stone scratches glass, it’s a good sign, but it doesn’t guarantee that it’s a diamond. It simply means that it’s hard enough to scratch glass, and you’ll need to do further testing. Also, be careful when doing this test because you could damage the object you’re using the stone to scratch. It’s best to use an inconspicuous area of ​​the glass.

A stone that can’t scratch glass is definitely not a diamond. But a stone that can scratch glass requires further testing to confirm its identity. Hardness is just one piece of the puzzle. It’s a good first step, but not the final answer.

4. Checking the Weight: Does It Feel Heavy for Its Size?

Think you’ve found a diamond? Let’s talk about weight, another important clue in identifying a rough diamond. They’re surprisingly heavy for their size.

Weight: Does it feel heavy for its size?

Diamonds are denser than most other stones. This means they pack a lot of weight into a small space. Think of it like a bowling ball vs. a beach ball — the bowling ball is much heavier, even though they’re the same size.

Why Weight matters:

The high density of a rough diamond is a natural property that helps distinguish it from other minerals. It’s a characteristic that comes from the way diamonds form under extreme pressure within the Earth.

How to Check:

• Comparing Similar Sizes: If you have another stone of a similar size (like a piece of quartz or even a common rock), hold both in your hands. This makes for a direct comparison.
• Feeling the difference: The diamond should feel noticeably heavier than the other stone. This is about comparing the feel of the weight, not necessarily measuring it precisely. You’re looking for a noticeable difference in weight.
• Considering size and weight: If the stone feels heavier than you’d expect for its size, that’s a good sign. Density is about how much “stuff” (mass) is packed into a given space (volume). A small diamond should feel surprisingly heavy in your hand.

In simple terms:

A rough diamond will feel surprisingly heavy for its size. If it feels light and flimsy, it’s probably not a diamond. The “weight” of the stone – how heavy it feels in your hand – is a good indication of its density, and therefore, a possible clue to its identity.

5. Light Reflection: Does It Sparkle?

Think you’ve found a diamond? Let’s talk about how rough diamonds react to light. They certainly don’t sparkle like the polished gems you see in jewelry stores.

Light Reflection: Does it Sparkle?

Rough diamonds don’t have the bright, brilliant sparkle of cut and polished diamonds. Instead, they reflect light in a more subdued, less dramatic way.

Why Light Reflection Matters:

The way a rough diamond reflects light is very different from the sparkle of a finished diamond. This difference is a helpful clue in distinguishing rough diamonds from other minerals.

What to Look for:

• A subtle, waxy sheen: Rough diamonds have a more subtle, subdued sheen, often described as a waxy or greasy sheen. It’s a light sheen, not a bright, flashy shine. Think of it as a softer glow rather than a fiery shine.
• Less sparkle, more shine: Unlike polished diamonds, raw diamonds don’t have a bright, fiery shine. They don’t throw off intense flashes of light. Their interaction with light is much more subdued and less dramatic.
• No rainbows: You won’t see the rainbow-colored flashes that characterize cut and polished diamonds. Rough diamonds don’t scatter light in the same way, so you won’t see those colorful flashes.

In simple terms:

Raw diamonds don’t sparkle like finished diamonds. They have a more subtle, waxy or greasy sheen. If a stone sparkles in its raw form, it’s probably not a diamond. A less sparkly, more subdued look is actually a good sign when you’re looking for raw diamonds. It’s an indication of their natural, unpolished state.

6. Checking for Transparency

Think you’ve found a diamond? Let’s talk about how clear (or cloudy) rough diamonds are. They’re often not as transparent as you might expect.

Transparency: Can you see through it?

Rough diamonds aren’t always perfectly transparent. They can be hazy, cloudy, or even slightly metallic. They’re not completely transparent, like a piece of glass.

Why Transparency matters:

If a stone is too glassy or completely transparent, it’s probably quartz or another gemstone, not a diamond. In the case of rough diamonds, a certain level of haziness is actually a good sign. It indicates a natural, unrefined state.

What to look for:

• Hawkiness or cloudiness: Rough diamonds often look hazy or cloudy. They’re not perfectly clear. Think of it like looking through a slightly hazy window. This haziness is caused by inclusions and other natural imperfections within the diamond.
• Metallic sheen: Some rough diamonds may have a slightly metallic tint. This is not a shiny sheen, but rather a subtle, almost metallic luster. It adds to their unique, unpolished look.
• Not completely transparent: The main thing to remember is that rough diamonds are usually not completely transparent. If you can see through the stone as clearly as you can through glass, it is probably not a diamond. A certain level of opaqueness is expected.

In simple terms:

Raw diamonds often look cloudy, hazy or slightly metallic. Perfectly clear stones are probably not diamonds. At least being transparent is a really good sign! It is a sign that you may have something interesting.

7. Thermal Conductivity: Does It Fog Up?

Think you’ve found a diamond? Here’s a quick and easy test you can do at home just using your breath! It’s called the fog test, and it depends on how diamonds handle heat.

Thermal Conductivity: Does it make fog?

An easy test is the fog test. Breathe on the stone just like you would on a mirror. If it makes fog and the fog stays for a few seconds, it’s not a diamond. A real diamond dissipates heat immediately and doesn’t fog up.

Why it matters:

Diamonds are very good heat conductors. That means they don’t hold heat. This quick and easy test checks how the stone handles heat, giving you another clue to its identity. It’s based on the principle that diamonds dissipate heat very quickly.

How to test:

• Breathe on it: Hold the stone close to your mouth and breathe on it, just like you’re trying to make fog on a mirror or window. Cover it with a good, solid breath.
• Watch what happens: A real diamond will clear up instantly. The fog will disappear almost as soon as you stop breathing on it. It won’t last long. The condensation evaporates quickly because diamonds don’t retain heat.
• Check for longer fog: A fake stone, or imitation diamond, will remain hazy for a few seconds. The condensation will take longer to evaporate because fake stones often retain heat longer than diamonds do. They don’t dissipate heat as efficiently.

In simple terms:

Real diamonds don’t retain heat, so they don’t stay hazy for long when you breathe on them. If the stone stays hazy, it’s probably not a diamond. This “fog test” is a simple way to check how the stone handles heat. It’s a quick and easy way to get another piece of the puzzle.

8. The Water Test

Do you think you’ve found a diamond? Here’s a simple test you can do at home with just a glass of water. It’s called the water test, and it checks the stone’s density.

The water test: Does it sink or float?

Drop the stone into the glass of water. Diamonds have a high density, so a real diamond will sink quickly. If it floats or sinks slowly, it’s probably not a diamond.

Why it matters:

Fake diamonds or other gemstones are less dense and won’t sink as quickly as a real diamond. Density — how much “stuff” is packed into a certain space — is an important property that helps distinguish diamonds from other materials.

How to do the test:

• Prepare the glass: Fill a clear glass with water. A clear glass makes it easier to see what happens when the stone is dropped.
• Drop the stone: Carefully drop the stone into the glass of water. Do not throw it into the water; lower it slowly into the water to avoid splashing or damaging the stone or the glass.
• Inspecting the sinking: A real diamond, due to its high density, will immediately sink to the bottom of the glass. It will fall quickly and straight down. This should be a decisive sinking.
• Interpreting the results: If the stone floats on the surface, or sinks very slowly, it is probably not a diamond. Materials with lower densities will behave differently in water. They may float, hover in the middle, or slowly sink to the bottom.

In simple terms:

Real diamonds are heavy for their size and will sink quickly in water. If the stone floats or sinks slowly, it is probably not a diamond. This simple “water test” is another sign to help you identify a potential diamond. It is a quick way to get an initial idea of ​​the stone’s density.

9. Magnification Test: Does It Have Imperfections?

Think you’ve found a diamond? Let’s talk about what to look for inside the stone. Rough diamonds aren’t always perfectly clean; in fact, flaws are often a good sign!

The Magnification Test: Does It Have Flaws?

Use a magnifying glass or, even better, a jeweller’s loupe (a small magnifying lens) to examine the stone closely. Rough diamonds usually have tiny cracks, uneven surfaces, and tiny flecks of other minerals.

Why It Matters:

Most real diamonds have natural imperfections called inclusions. These are like tiny birthmarks and are the result of the extreme pressure and heat experienced within the Earth during the diamond’s formation. A stone that looks too perfect is probably synthetic (man-made).

What to Look for:

• Small Cracks or Fissures: Look for tiny cracks or fissures on the surface or within the stone. These imperfections are common in rough diamonds and are evidence of their natural origin.
• Uneven surface: Rough diamonds often have uneven surfaces. They are not perfectly smooth. Think of it like a rock with bumps and ridges, not a polished gem.
• Small spots or blemishes: You may see tiny spots or blemishes from other minerals trapped inside the diamond. These are inclusions and are a sign of a natural diamond. They may look like tiny crystals, clouds or feathers.
• Not too perfect: The bottom line is that rough diamonds are rarely perfect. If a stone looks too flawless and without any blemishes, it is probably not a natural diamond. Perfection is often the sign of a synthetic stone.

In simple terms:

Real rough diamonds usually have some imperfections, such as tiny cracks, uneven surfaces and tiny blemishes inside. A completely flawless stone is a red flag. Don’t be afraid of imperfections; they are often the sign of a real diamond! They tell the story of the formation of diamonds.

10. Professional Testing

Tried at-home tests, but still don’t know what stone you’ve got? There’s one surefire way to know for sure: consult a professional.

Professional testing: When in doubt, ask an expert

If you’re still unsure about your stone’s identity, take it to a gemologist or reputable jeweler. They have the specialized equipment and in-depth knowledge to determine whether or not it’s a real diamond.

Why it matters:

Gemologists are trained professionals who specialize in identifying gemstones. They have access to advanced equipment that can analyze a stone’s properties in much more detail than is possible at home. This professional evaluation eliminates the need for guesswork.

The tools they use:

• Diamond testers: These electronic devices measure the stone’s thermal conductivity — how well it conducts heat. Diamonds conduct heat differently than most other materials, and these testers can quickly identify those differences.
• X-ray machines: X-rays can detect the internal structure or “fingerprint” of a stone. Diamonds have a unique internal structure that helps identify them even in their raw form.
• UV light tests: Not always conclusive for rough diamonds, but UV light can sometimes cause diamonds to glow (fluoresce). This can be another clue for a gemologist.

What to expect:

When you take your stone to a gemologist, they will use a combination of these tests to determine whether or not it is a diamond. They may also tell you whether it is a natural diamond or synthetic (man-made) and may be able to provide information about its potential value.

In simple terms:

If you are still unsure after trying the at-home tests, a gemologist or jeweller can give you a definitive answer. They have the equipment and expertise to tell you for sure if your stone is a real rough diamond. This is the best way to be absolutely certain and to get a professional appraisal.

How to Differentiate a Raw Diamond from Other Stones

It’s easy to mistake a rough diamond for another stone, so let’s take a look at some common comparisons. Knowing the differences is key to identifying a real diamond.

How to Distinguish a Rough Diamond From Other Stones:

Here’s a quick guide that will help you distinguish a rough diamond from some similar-looking stones:

• Rough Diamond vs. Quartz: Quartz is often clearer and shinier than rough diamonds. Quartz crystals have more uniform, symmetrical shapes, while diamonds have more irregular, less predictable shapes. Perhaps most importantly, quartz is much softer than diamonds, so it scratches more easily.
• Rough Diamond vs. Moissanite: Moissanite is a stone that looks similar to a diamond, and is often used as a diamond imitation. However, moissanite has more sparkle (shine) than rough diamonds. Rough diamonds have a duller appearance and less lustrous shine. Moissanite is also slightly less hard than diamond.
• Rough Diamond vs. White Sapphire: White sapphires can resemble diamonds, but they don’t have the same level of hardness and brilliance. White sapphires are generally more transparent than rough diamonds, which often appear cloudy or hazy. White sapphires are also not as hard as diamonds.

While these comparisons can be helpful, remember that professional testing by a gemologist or reputable jeweller is the most reliable way to identify rough diamonds. These comparisons are a good start, but they are not a substitute for expert analysis.

FAQs About How to Identify a Raw Diamond

Conclusion: How to Identify a Raw Diamond

Finding a raw diamond needs patience and careful looking. Check for:

✔ Rough, sharp edges
✔ A bit cloudy or slightly colored look
✔ Feels heavy for its size
✔ Does not sparkle too much
✔ Can scratch glass easily
✔ Clears up quickly when you breathe on it
✔ Sinks fast in water
✔ Has tiny natural marks when seen with a magnifying glass

If your stone matches most of these signs, it could be a real diamond! But to be 100% sure, always ask an expert. Imagine the joy of finding a real diamond—nature’s hidden treasure waiting to shine! ✨