Diamonds
are one of the most expensive pieces of stones in the world and there are
plenty of reasons that lead to this exclusivity. Diamond is known to be the
hardest substance and it is also the only gem made of entirely a single
element- carbon. 99.95% of a diamond is composed of the element carbon.
are one of the most expensive pieces of stones in the world and there are
plenty of reasons that lead to this exclusivity. Diamond is known to be the
hardest substance and it is also the only gem made of entirely a single
element- carbon. 99.95% of a diamond is composed of the element carbon.
The
remaining includes a combination of one or more trace elements which do not
form an essential part of the diamond’s chemistry. However, the presence of
these trace elements can affect the color of the shape of the crystal as well.
Nothing can deny the uniqueness and rarity that diamonds hold in the mineral
kingdom.
remaining includes a combination of one or more trace elements which do not
form an essential part of the diamond’s chemistry. However, the presence of
these trace elements can affect the color of the shape of the crystal as well.
Nothing can deny the uniqueness and rarity that diamonds hold in the mineral
kingdom.
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The
identity of diamond is from the fact that it
is only formed under high pressure and temperature conditions such as the one
obtained after a specific depth range beneath the surface of the earth. The
crystal structure of this element is isometric and hence all the carbon atoms
are bonded the same way in all possible directions. Graphite is another
carbon-based element that has stark contrasting nature when compared to
diamond. This is why the process of formation is considered integral.
These
factors and unique conditions of formations are the factors that make diamonds,
unlike any other mineral. The special combination of crystal structure,
chemical composition, and formation process are the primary things that make
this element extraordinary, expensive and rare.
factors and unique conditions of formations are the factors that make diamonds,
unlike any other mineral. The special combination of crystal structure,
chemical composition, and formation process are the primary things that make
this element extraordinary, expensive and rare.
Synthetic or
lab-grown diamonds
lab-grown diamonds
An
alternative for the rare and expensive element is the synthetic diamonds or
cultured diamonds. They are grown in a controlled environment such as a
laboratory with the help of advanced technological processes that mimic the
original formation conditions of the stone when it is formed naturally on the
earth’s mantle.
alternative for the rare and expensive element is the synthetic diamonds or
cultured diamonds. They are grown in a controlled environment such as a
laboratory with the help of advanced technological processes that mimic the
original formation conditions of the stone when it is formed naturally on the
earth’s mantle.
The
atomic structure imitates the arrangement in the natural structure of diamonds.
They visibly and physically exhibit the same properties as the naturally formed
diamond. The chemical and optical properties are the same as well, making it
hard to distinguish between the two.
atomic structure imitates the arrangement in the natural structure of diamonds.
They visibly and physically exhibit the same properties as the naturally formed
diamond. The chemical and optical properties are the same as well, making it
hard to distinguish between the two.
How to create them?
Lab-grown
diamonds can be created in various methods. One of them is using the carbon
seed of a pre-existing diamond. A special deposition process involving high
pressure and temperature that mimics the formation process is followed. As
explained earlier, trace elements can influence the color factor of the
diamond.
diamonds can be created in various methods. One of them is using the carbon
seed of a pre-existing diamond. A special deposition process involving high
pressure and temperature that mimics the formation process is followed. As
explained earlier, trace elements can influence the color factor of the
diamond.
In
the case of lab-grown diamonds, these trace elements can be input in order to
gain a specific color. This is also the factor that can help experts determine
if a diamond is cultured or formed naturally. The minor differences in the
trace elements or crystal growth can differentiate between the two and can only
be found with the help of special equipment. The colorless nature of stones can
also be gained by using trace elements that give out a tinge of yellow or
white.
the case of lab-grown diamonds, these trace elements can be input in order to
gain a specific color. This is also the factor that can help experts determine
if a diamond is cultured or formed naturally. The minor differences in the
trace elements or crystal growth can differentiate between the two and can only
be found with the help of special equipment. The colorless nature of stones can
also be gained by using trace elements that give out a tinge of yellow or
white.
Another
advantage when it comes to engineered diamonds is the fact that they cost a lot
lesser than the authentic version. They are also available in a lot of vivid
colors that are considered extremely rare for naturally formed diamonds.
However, there are plenty of myths that surround cultured diamonds and thus
preventing you from getting those for your own engagement.
advantage when it comes to engineered diamonds is the fact that they cost a lot
lesser than the authentic version. They are also available in a lot of vivid
colors that are considered extremely rare for naturally formed diamonds.
However, there are plenty of myths that surround cultured diamonds and thus
preventing you from getting those for your own engagement.
Misconception
Untrue
factors such as they differ visibly differ from mined diamonds can prevent you
from choosing this version. They are also certified similar to the
certification process followed by mined diamonds. They can differ in quality
based on the way they are formed.
factors such as they differ visibly differ from mined diamonds can prevent you
from choosing this version. They are also certified similar to the
certification process followed by mined diamonds. They can differ in quality
based on the way they are formed.
They
may be referred to as synthetic diamonds, but are composed of 100% carbon with
a few synthetic traces. Hence the purity factor is the same for both kinds of
diamonds and should not be a concern while you are searching for the perfect
stone to gift your better half.
may be referred to as synthetic diamonds, but are composed of 100% carbon with
a few synthetic traces. Hence the purity factor is the same for both kinds of
diamonds and should not be a concern while you are searching for the perfect
stone to gift your better half.
Obtaining
naturally formed diamonds involve the destruction of a particular region with
intense mining in order to find the stones. The process involves risking the
biodiversity of the region in addition to destroying the top layer of the soil.
Using the engineered version of diamonds is hence more eco-friendly as it does
not involve any destruction of the environment and impact is minimal.
naturally formed diamonds involve the destruction of a particular region with
intense mining in order to find the stones. The process involves risking the
biodiversity of the region in addition to destroying the top layer of the soil.
Using the engineered version of diamonds is hence more eco-friendly as it does
not involve any destruction of the environment and impact is minimal.
Another misconception is regarding their
durability. Synthetic diamonds are equally everlasting similar to how mined
ones are and can be passed down generations and proudly owned as a family
heirloom. These diamonds are also graded according to the four Cs- Cut, color,
carat and clarity. These four factors determine the value of the diamond and
are the system used to determine the value of the stone for years.
durability. Synthetic diamonds are equally everlasting similar to how mined
ones are and can be passed down generations and proudly owned as a family
heirloom. These diamonds are also graded according to the four Cs- Cut, color,
carat and clarity. These four factors determine the value of the diamond and
are the system used to determine the value of the stone for years.
Mined diamonds Vs Cultured diamonds
Diamonds
created in a lab display the same optical, chemical and physical properties as
mined diamonds. They also exhibit the same luster and multiple reflection
properties that keep diamond unique. The trace elements are one of the few
factors that stay different between mined and cultured diamonds. Both the
categories come bearing certification. In case of cultured diamonds, this is
regarding the gem certification that states that they are laboratory grown.
created in a lab display the same optical, chemical and physical properties as
mined diamonds. They also exhibit the same luster and multiple reflection
properties that keep diamond unique. The trace elements are one of the few
factors that stay different between mined and cultured diamonds. Both the
categories come bearing certification. In case of cultured diamonds, this is
regarding the gem certification that states that they are laboratory grown.
Only
highly specialized tests can differentiate between the two kinds of diamonds.
In fact, the only solid difference between mined and cultured diamonds is
regarding their origin. Buyers can be unsure about cultured diamonds, but it is
essential to know they symbolize the same uniqueness that mined ones do,
without creating ecological damage or leaving a bigger dent on your savings.
highly specialized tests can differentiate between the two kinds of diamonds.
In fact, the only solid difference between mined and cultured diamonds is
regarding their origin. Buyers can be unsure about cultured diamonds, but it is
essential to know they symbolize the same uniqueness that mined ones do,
without creating ecological damage or leaving a bigger dent on your savings.
Diamond Simulants
Another
important factor to understand is the existence of diamond simulants and how
they differ from diamonds, both naturally formed and cultured. These compounds
are cubic zirconia, moissanite or other variants that look visibly similar to
diamonds but lack true carbon crystal formation. They do not have the same
optical, physical and chemical properties and sell at a much lower price than
both types of diamonds. They can also easily be distinguished from
original diamonds by using just the naked eye.
important factor to understand is the existence of diamond simulants and how
they differ from diamonds, both naturally formed and cultured. These compounds
are cubic zirconia, moissanite or other variants that look visibly similar to
diamonds but lack true carbon crystal formation. They do not have the same
optical, physical and chemical properties and sell at a much lower price than
both types of diamonds. They can also easily be distinguished from
original diamonds by using just the naked eye.
This
can be furthered confirmed using a handheld diamond tester that differentiates
diamonds from stimulants on the basis of thermal conductivity. Experienced
gemologists can distinguish between the two using the refractive properties as
well. Diamonds are single refractive while stimulants are double refractive.
can be furthered confirmed using a handheld diamond tester that differentiates
diamonds from stimulants on the basis of thermal conductivity. Experienced
gemologists can distinguish between the two using the refractive properties as
well. Diamonds are single refractive while stimulants are double refractive.
