Natural diamonds are made of pure carbon and are formed deep within the Earth’s mantle. Violent volcanic eruptions bring these stones to the surface. Manufactures mine the hardened volcanic magma pipe to extract diamonds. Natural diamonds can also be found in rivers and oceans and are then sold to manufacturers who cut them into gems. But how do you tell a natural diamond from a synthetic one?
Natural diamonds
There’s a lot of hype surrounding the difference between natural diamonds and lab-grown ones. Natural diamonds are formed naturally from the combination of heat and pressure, whereas lab-grown diamonds are created in a laboratory. They’re both considered diamonds, but the difference between these two types is minimal. Natural diamonds contain a small amount of nitrogen, whereas lab-grown diamonds do not. The US Federal Trade Commission classifies lab-grown diamonds as “real” diamonds due to their carbon-based chemical makeup.
If you are looking to purchase a diamond for yourself, you’ll need to know the difference between lab-grown diamonds and natural ones. The two types of diamonds are chemically identical, but their appearances may vary slightly. It’s recommended to look at both types of diamonds in person, so you can decide which gem speaks to you the most. While it’s tempting to purchase the cheaper diamond, don’t be fooled by the cheaper versions.
CVD diamonds
Natural diamonds https://www.contourcafe.com/2022/07/18/calgary-lab-grown-diamonds-vs-natural-diamonds are the hardest gemstones known to man. As they grow 100 miles below the surface of the earth, natural diamonds earn a hardness level of 10 on the Mohs scale. They are also 100% real, and their value depends on their color and size. They are used in many types of jewelry, including diamond rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. The color and size of these stones makes them a symbol of wealth.
While natural diamonds are mined from the Earth’s mantle, synthetic diamonds are grown in laboratories. A special process is used to produce these diamonds, under conditions similar to natural diamonds. Unlike natural diamonds, synthetic diamonds are not contaminated by any trace of nitrogen or other chemical impurities. As a result, they are almost identical to natural diamonds. And unlike natural diamonds, CVD diamonds have the same value as natural diamonds.
HPHT diamonds
One of the biggest differences between natural diamonds and HPHT diamonds is the process used to create them. Natural diamonds are formed when the earth’s crust gives way to the pressures and temperatures that are needed to grow diamonds. The HPHT process mimics this process. During the growth process, the diamond seed is placed into a carbon medium, usually graphite or diamond powder. The carbon then begins to melt under the pressure of the process, forming a diamond around the seed. The new substance is then allowed to cool before it takes on its final shape.
The HPHT process involves the use of a carbon source (graphite or diamond powder) in a reactor chamber. A molten metal catalyst is also used to reduce the temperature and pressure during the growth process. This lower-temperature development minimizes the costs and technological complexity of the diamond-growing process. Typically, HPHT is reserved for smaller diamonds under a carat. The HPHT process can be more expensive than natural diamonds, though the latter is a better choice for those who want a large diamond without a huge price tag.