![[Diamond pic.png|250]] **Diamond** was an extremely hard gemstone found primarily in the cold, mountainous region of [Faerûn](https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Faer%C3%BBn "Faerûn") and anywhere on [Toril](https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Toril "Toril") that had seen volcanic activity, either active or dormant. Nearly all probable diamond locations were deep underground, making them accessible only to [dwarves](https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Dwarves "Dwarves") and the other subterranean races ## Description Gem quality diamonds were translucent to transparent and came in a variety of colors. The most valuable hues were clear (also described as blue-white), canary yellow, pink, brown, and deep blue.) They were almost exclusively facet cut because, if done correctly, diamonds refracted ordinary light into beautiful flashes of color (known as "fire" in lapidary parlance). Diamonds were frequently worn for adornment Very few substances were harder than diamond and all were just as rare and scarce, or more so. Diamonds could be used to engrave almost anything and were prized for making fine cutting and piercing tools for artisans. A typical properly cut specimen had a base value of 5000gp ## Powers Diamonds had an affinity for [divination](https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Divination "Divination") magic, and in the crafting of spells or items that improved vision or located objects. Diamonds were the first choice for _[gems of seeing](https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Gem_of_seeing "Gem of seeing")_ and were required components for a _[helm of brilliance](https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Helm_of_brilliance "Helm of brilliance")_. This stone was also useful in making or destroying poisons. Depending on the process and magics involved, diamond dust could be used to create a deadly poison or be used to create items (added to an immersion) or spell scrolls (used in the [ink](https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Ink "Ink")) that neutralized poison. More broadly, diamond dust was a viable substitute in the making of magical inks when more appropriate substances were not available. In all cases, according to [Elminster](https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Elminster "Elminster"), magical workings involving diamond worked best when done at [highsun](https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Hours_of_the_day "Hours of the day"). A diamond jewel, placed directly against the skin of the head or neck, afforded the wearer some protection against spells of the [enchantment](https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Enchantment "Enchantment")/[charm](https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Charm "Charm") school and [psionic](https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Psionic "Psionic") influence or attack. Dreamless sleep could be achieved by wearing cut diamonds on at least two sides of the head. Ancient [Mulhorandi](https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Mulhorand "Mulhorand") _[gem magic](https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Gem_magic "Gem magic")_ associated diamonds with perfection, which was the source of [diamond golems](https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Diamond_golem "Diamond golem")' obsessive personalities and innate _[sunbeam](https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Sunbeam "Sunbeam")_ and _[true strike](https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/True_strike "True strike")_ spells. [Chultan](https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Chult "Chult") _gem magic_ could enchant small diamond slivers to be used as portable _[lightning bolt](https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Lightning_bolt "Lightning bolt")_ spell. Once the command word was uttered, the [Tabaxi](https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Tabaxi_language "Tabaxi language") word for "lightning," the enchanted diamond shard turned into a bolt of lightning. The activation produced a blinding flash of light, to which the owner of the gem was immune. The lightning could be hurled at the enemies like a [javelin](https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Javelin "Javelin"). ## Reputation Diamonds were considered prized gems among the [drow](https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Drow "Drow"), albeit they considered only blue ones and even among them only those of rich hues such. These blue gems were extremely valuable and rare, possibly one of the most valuable gem stones on Faerûn, prized for their pleasing faint blue tint. ## Notable Diamonds[](https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Diamond?veaction=edit&section=4 "Edit section: Notable Diamonds") - The _[Wyvern Crown of Cormyr](https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Wyvern_Crown_of_Cormyr "Wyvern Crown of Cormyr")_ was studded with jewels, including a flawless, [human](https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Human "Human") male fist–sized diamond. # Volo's Guide Translucent jewels that catch fire when properly faceted, diamonds are hard, translucent jewels that can be clear (appearing blue-white), rich blue, yellow, or pink, among other hues. The hardest of gemstones (save for a few very rare types unique to the Realms) and among the most valuable, diamonds are found in scattered locations throughout the mountain ranges of the northern half of Faerun and in current or former volcanic regions across the face of Toril. Many of these locations are far underground, making them only accessible to dwarves and underground races that trade with the surface world for other goods. Diamond can be used to cut or etch glass, horn, bone or leather and so serves as a point or cutting edge on the finest arti¬ sans' tools. It is also worn as adornment. Diamond dust is almost a universal ingredient in spell ink for¬ mulae, serving whenever one lacks a substance specific to the magic at hand. It is particularly suited to spells concerning vision, divination, or locating objects. The best gems of seeing are dia¬ monds, and diamonds are essential adornments in a *helm of brilliance. Conversely, diamonds worn at the throat or on the head ward off dream visions and enchantment/charm magics. ( Elminster: No dreams can come to one who wears diamonds on at least two "sides" of his or her head—and the presence of a whole diamond anywhere in direct flesh contact with the neck or head gives a +2 bonus to all saving throws vs. enchantment/charm spells and equivalent psionic sciences and devotions.) In some magics, diamond dust is poisonous, but when combined with certain substances in a secret process, it creates both sweet water potions and empowers both spell inks and item baths concerned with the neutralization of poison. Diamonds are best used in alchemical and sorcerous work at highsun (Elminster: When so used, increase the chances of the magical working's efficacy by 2 or 25% when powdered diamond is employed at noon.)