description Black Diamond Overview
Black diamond is a term used for dark, opaque diamond material, including carbonado, a natural polycrystalline form found mainly in Brazil and the Central African Republic. Carbonado consists of many small diamond crystals joined in a porous aggregate and can differ from ordinary gem diamond in texture and appearance. Black diamonds may also receive their color from inclusions or treatment, so the name does not describe only one material.
help Black Diamond FAQ
Does black diamond always mean carbonado?
No. Black diamond can describe natural opaque diamond, treated diamond, or carbonado, a porous polycrystalline diamond aggregate. Carbonado is known from Brazil and the Central African Republic. [GIA](https://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology/summer-2017-carbonado-diamond)
Why does carbonado look porous instead of like a clear diamond?
Carbonado is made of many randomly oriented diamond crystallites and contains visible pores and surface textures. Those features absorb light, so the material commonly appears opaque and black.
Is carbonado harder than ordinary diamond?
Its hardness is broadly similar to conventional diamond, but its random microcrystalline structure gives it unusual toughness. That distinction matters because hardness resists scratching, while toughness describes resistance to breaking.
How should a buyer verify a black diamond?
A gem laboratory report can distinguish carbonado from a single-crystal diamond and can identify treatments such as irradiation or coating. A basic thermal diamond tester is not enough for unusual porous carbonado surfaces.
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