Do you love diamonds? Did you know that diamonds can be synthesized in the laboratory? Are lab-created diamonds real diamonds? Are you wondering what lab processes are involved in the synthesis of the lab-grown diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds.
Diamond is a breathtaking and very expensive metal. You may need to propose to the girl of your dreams and you are stuck wondering what will make her smile and say yes. Lab-grown diamonds are real just like natural diamonds. They come in many different colors so you can choose from a wide variety of the best diamond. Let the sparkle and high-quality diamond ring sweep her off her feet. Advanced technological processes duplicate the conditions necessary for natural diamond formation in the mantle. These diamonds are then grown in a highly controlled laboratory environment. Lab created diamonds show the same chemical and optical properties since they are made from the same material as the natural diamond.
Creation of lab diamonds.
These diamonds are grown from tiny carbon seeds present in pre-existing diamonds. Advanced technology is used to mimic the natural method of diamond formation. When small amounts of specific trace elements are present during the growth phase, a fancy colored diamond is formed. Specialized equipment is used to distinguish between natural and lab diamonds by detecting the minor difference in crystal growth and trace elements.
Lab processes.
High-pressure high temperature. (HPHT)
A small diamond seed is placed into a pure graphite carbon. There are three manufacturing processes like cubic, split-sphere, and belt press that create high pressure and temperature (1500 degrees Celsius) condition. This is a conducive environment for diamond growth. The pure carbon melts and a diamond is formed around the starter seed. A pure carbon diamond is formed after cooling.
Chemical vapor deposition. (CVD)
A slice of diamond seed is placed inside an enclosed chamber and then heated to 800 degrees Celsius. The chamber contains carbon-rich gas like methane that is ionized to plasma. The molecular bond of the gas is broken through ionization and the pure carbon adheres to the diamond seed and crystallizes slowly.
Benefits of lab-created diamonds.
- They offer value and are less expensive compared to natural diamonds of the same quality and size. The supply chain is shorter in lab-created diamonds than mined diamonds hence less costly.
- No mining is required hence eco-friendly. A huge amount of rocks and earth is removed during diamond mining. This creates a vast hole that can be seen from space.
- The physical, chemical and optical properties are similar to that of a natural diamond.
- Less energy is used to grow diamond compared to mining diamonds.
- It takes less time to grow diamonds in the lab than mining them.
Conclusions.
Diamonds are a significant investment and it is important to have the right knowledge to make an informed purchase. They should be properly maintained for them to remain beautiful and keep their value. Lab-created diamonds are affordable, high quality, environmentally friendly, and ethical. It is a close replica of the mined diamond as they share identical optical, chemical, and physical properties.
They have a few benefits over natural diamonds like for instance, they are less expensive. They are created using extreme heat and pressure but inside an advanced machine rather than the earth’s mantle.
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