Charcoal Diamond MTG Card


Enhances card quality in draws by providing an alternative mana source. Consistent black mana ramp, key for early high-cost spell casting. Enables instant-speed strategies without hindering turn development.
Card setsReleased in 12 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeArtifact

Text of card

Charcoal Diamond comes into play tapped. oc T: Add o B to your mana pool. Play this ability as a mana source.


Cards like Charcoal Diamond

Charcoal Diamond stands out in the realm of mana acceleration artifacts within Magic: The Gathering. This card is akin to others like Fire Diamond, which shares the same cost and ability to tap for one mana of its respective color. Nonetheless, Charcoal Diamond is unique for its capacity to provide black mana, essential for strategies that hinge on swiftness and efficiency.

Comparatively, Coldsteel Heart also enters the battlefield tapped and produces one mana of any chosen color. Although similar in flexibility, Charcoal Diamond carves its niche within mono-black decks that benefit from the black mana symbol for devotion counts or other synergistic reasons. Furthermore, Thran Dynamo is another notable artifact, offering a robust burst of three colorless mana, albeit at a higher casting cost. This distinction makes Charcoal Diamond a fitting choice for decks looking to stabilize their mana base early on.

Assessing the nuances between these options, it becomes apparent that Charcoal Diamond is an essential component for players aiming to cast high-impact spells swiftly in mono-black or black-heavy decks in Magic: The Gathering.

Fire Diamond - MTG Card versions
Coldsteel Heart - MTG Card versions
Thran Dynamo - MTG Card versions
Fire Diamond - MTG Card versions
Coldsteel Heart - MTG Card versions
Thran Dynamo - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Charcoal Diamond by color, type and mana cost

Blade of the Oni - MTG Card versions
Transmogrant's Crown - MTG Card versions
Vault Skirge - MTG Card versions
Razorlash Transmogrant - MTG Card versions
Cranial Plating - MTG Card versions
Scepter of Fugue - MTG Card versions
Salvage Slasher - MTG Card versions
Glaze Fiend - MTG Card versions
Metalspinner's Puzzleknot - MTG Card versions
Implement of Malice - MTG Card versions
Wishclaw Talisman - MTG Card versions
Giant's Skewer - MTG Card versions
Gisa's Favorite Shovel - MTG Card versions
Lucille - MTG Card versions
Netherborn Altar - MTG Card versions
Malefic Scythe - MTG Card versions
Draugr's Helm - MTG Card versions
Poet's Quill - MTG Card versions
Thieves' Tools - MTG Card versions
Groom's Finery - MTG Card versions
Blade of the Oni - MTG Card versions
Transmogrant's Crown - MTG Card versions
Vault Skirge - MTG Card versions
Razorlash Transmogrant - MTG Card versions
Cranial Plating - MTG Card versions
Scepter of Fugue - MTG Card versions
Salvage Slasher - MTG Card versions
Glaze Fiend - MTG Card versions
Metalspinner's Puzzleknot - MTG Card versions
Implement of Malice - MTG Card versions
Wishclaw Talisman - MTG Card versions
Giant's Skewer - MTG Card versions
Gisa's Favorite Shovel - MTG Card versions
Lucille - MTG Card versions
Netherborn Altar - MTG Card versions
Malefic Scythe - MTG Card versions
Draugr's Helm - MTG Card versions
Poet's Quill - MTG Card versions
Thieves' Tools - MTG Card versions
Groom's Finery - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Charcoal Diamond doesn’t offer direct card draw; however, it effectively thins your deck by being a non-land mana source. This feature subtly improves the probability of drawing into more impactful cards as the game progresses.

Resource Acceleration: As a mana rock, Charcoal Diamond is a reliable source of resource acceleration. It gives you access to additional black mana from the turn after it’s played, facilitating the casting of high-cost cards earlier in the game.

Instant Speed: While Charcoal Diamond itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, it supports instant-speed strategies by ramping up your available mana, thereby enabling you to confidently play instant spells and abilities without sacrificing turn development.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Charcoal Diamond card doesn’t have an intrinsic discard requirement but it may enforce a subtle one. When you play it, it comes into play tapped, effectively delaying your access to that additional mana until your next turn. This could force you to discard if you exceed your hand size limit before your next draw.

Specific Mana Cost: Charcoal Diamond provides only black mana, which is beneficial in mono-black decks but may not be as versatile in multi-colored decks that require a broader range of mana accessibility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although the cost of two mana to play may seem moderate, the card effectively stalls during the turn it’s played due to entering the battlefield tapped. This reduces your capacity for impactful plays compared to other mana rocks or accelerants that are instantly available or offer additional benefits.


Reasons to Include Charcoal Diamond in Your Collection

Versatility: Charcoal Diamond is a solid inclusion in any black-based MTG deck. As a mana rock, it offers a consistent source of black mana acceleration, essential for casting high-cost spells earlier in the game.

Combo Potential: This artifact is not just a mana resource; it plays well with strategies that thrive on artifact synergy. It can be the missing piece in a combo that revolves around artifacts or used to fuel abilities requiring artifact sacrifices.

Meta-Relevance: In any MTG meta where black decks are prominent, Charcoal Diamond provides a reliable edge. It’s particularly effective in formats like Commander, where mana ramp is crucial for casting influential spells and supporting a deck’s core mechanics.


How to beat

When facing off against a deck that includes the Charcoal Diamond card in MTG, there are effective strategies to keep in mind. Charcoal Diamond provides a steady source of black mana acceleration, which can be pivotal for an opponent’s game plan, especially in Commander format where mana fixing and ramp are essential. The key to beating it is disrupting this acceleration.

One approach is using artifact removal spells that can specifically target Charcoal Diamond. Naturalize or Disenchant are prime examples, capable of removing it from the battlefield before its impact becomes significant. Alternatively, countering the card upon being cast is also an effective method; spells like Negate ensure that the diamond never hits the field, maintaining the balance of mana availability.

It’s also important to evaluate the tempo of the game. Charcoal Diamond comes into play tapped, causing a potential slowdown for your opponent. Capitalize on this momentary lapse in their mana development by applying pressure or advancing your board state. Ultimately, keeping control over your opponent’s resources and recognizing the right moment to cut off their acceleration with Charcoal Diamond will guide you to victory.


BurnMana Recommendations

The strategic world of MTG is constantly evolving, and your understanding of the game’s components plays a critical role in claiming victory. Cards like the Charcoal Diamond exemplify how subtle card advantages and resource acceleration can shape the pace and power of your play. As you look to enhance your deck, remember the virtues of mana rocks and their abilities in facilitating critical plays. To maximize your impact in the game, consider how the features of Charcoal Diamond align with your strategy. For more insights on deck-building tactics and gameplay optimization, explore further with BurnMana and upgrade your MTG expertise.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Charcoal Diamond MTG card by a specific set like Mirage and Classic Sixth Edition, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Charcoal Diamond and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Charcoal Diamond Magic the Gathering card was released in 8 different sets between 1996-10-08 and 2022-06-10. Illustrated by 5 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11996-10-08MirageMIR 2961997NormalBlackDrew Tucker
21999-04-21Classic Sixth Edition6ED 2761997NormalWhiteDrew Tucker
32001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 2891997NormalWhiteDavid Martin
42001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 289★s1997NormalBlackDavid Martin
52001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 289s1997NormalWhiteDavid Martin
62001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 289★1997NormalBlackDavid Martin
72014-11-07Commander 2014C14 2352015NormalBlackLindsey Look
82020-11-20Commander LegendsCMR 3032015NormalBlackLindsey Look
92021-09-24Midnight Hunt CommanderMIC 1582015NormalBlackLindsey Look
102021-11-19Crimson Vow CommanderVOC 1622015NormalBlackLindsey Look
112022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 4422015NormalBlackPhil Stone
122022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 3052015NormalBlackGaboleps

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Charcoal Diamond has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal