The chemical and optical properties of natural diamonds are different from those of lab diamonds. Lab diamonds are grown using certain processes, which makes them more expensive than natural diamonds. Nonetheless, there are advantages to lab-grown diamonds. Listed below are some of them:
Processes used to grow diamonds
There are two main processes used to create lab diamonds. One method is called Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and the other is High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT).
The CVD process is a newer technique which uses a mix of hydrocarbon gases at low pressures to produce a crystal. CVD produces diamonds that are less expensive and more energy-efficient than HPHT.
For the most part, this is a relatively simple process. First, a small diamond seed is placed in a sealed chamber filled with carbon rich gas. It is then heated to over 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature causes the hydrogen and methane to ionize into plasma. Afterward, the gas molecules break apart.
Meanwhile, a metal catalyst converts the carbon into a diamond. At this point, the carbon atoms will begin to build up the diamond seed. A variety of treatments may be used to enhance the color.
Lab diamonds are available in a wide range of color, including white, pink, yellow and blue. Most come with an American grading certificate, though coloration will vary depending on the type of diamond.
Diamonds are also ethically sourced and environmentally friendly. In fact, they can be used to disinfect polluted water sources. They are also a great choice for jewelry, since they can be cut to suit any style.
Chemical and optical characteristics of a natural diamond
A natural diamond has many chemical and optical properties. It has a cubic arrangement of atoms and a pure sp3 covalent bonding. However, it may undergo several treatment processes to modify its characteristics.
Natural diamonds have characteristic peaks and weak birefringence. These characteristic peaks are related to the aggregated nitrogen in the diamond. The strongest absorption peak is located at 300 nm. In addition, there are a few peaks associated with hydrogen.
X-ray diffraction studies are useful in identifying diamonds. They provide information about the crystal structure, morphology, and orientation of the diamond. Moreover, these techniques are able to reveal the presence of impurities.
PL spectroscopy is an effective analytical technique that can detect the presence of impurities in diamonds. PL spectra are also sensitive to the presence of optical defects. PL spectra of CVD diamonds are often grainy and patchy. Another useful method is UV-Vis spectroscopy. This technique is used to detect low color grade diamonds.
To characterize natural diamonds, a study was carried out at the National Gem & Jewelry Technology Administrative Center in Beijing. Research was supported by the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation. As a result, the natural origin of the diamonds was revealed and the growth patterns were observed.
The PL spectra showed characteristic peaks related to silicon, hydrogen, and nitrogen. However, the intensity of luminescence was negatively correlated with the color grade of the diamond.
Price of a lab-grown diamond compared to a natural diamond
There’s a big difference between the price of a Lab grown diamonds UK and a natural one. These diamonds are made by scientists in a controlled lab environment. They have the same chemical structure, physical properties and optical features as real diamonds.
However, while lab diamonds are cheaper, their resale value is significantly less than natural ones. The cost of a 1-carat lab created diamond is between $800 and $1,000 whereas a similar-sized natural diamond costs $6,100.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for pricing a lab-grown diamond, the price will vary depending on the size, clarity, metal, cut, and setting. Some manufacturers even offer a price per carat for synthetic diamonds.
If you’re buying a lab-grown diamond, you’ll want to make sure it’s ethical and sustainable. Several companies are using renewable energy to lower the carbon footprint of the industry.
Lab-grown diamonds can be a good choice for those who aren’t interested in investing in a genuine gemstone. A lot of high-end brands are going to start selling them in the near future.
In fact, some lab-grown diamonds have increased in value recently. They also have an environmentally-friendly manufacturing process. This means they’re more socially responsible than mined diamonds.
Previously, the only way to tell a lab-grown diamond from a real one was by using specialized equipment. However, technological advancements have reduced the cost of making these diamonds.
