The hardest natural mineral found on Earth is diamond. Composed of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure, diamonds are renowned for their exceptional hardness and brilliance. They rate a 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, making them the hardest known natural material. Diamonds form under extreme pressure and temperature conditions deep within the Earth's mantle and can be brought to the surface through volcanic eruptions. Beyond their use in jewelry, diamonds are also valued for industrial applications, such as cutting, grinding, and drilling, due to their unmatched hardness.