A small diamond on the end of a cartridge's cantilever. This sits within the groove of an LP and picks up the vibrations recorded therein. The stylus is generally spherical or elliptical in shape, although some variations have been developed, all with a view to more accurately tracking the groove while reducing damage to it. Elliptical styli are only suitable for tracking weights of less than around two grammes because their low contact area with the groove can cause damage.