Gemstones made in a lab are actually identical to mined diamonds in terms of chemical, physical, and optical properties. Why is this you ask? Before we dive into the similarities and differences between synthetic diamonds and mined diamonds, it’s important to have a basic understanding of how diamonds are made.
How are diamonds made?
Whether it’s through a man-made process or a natural earth process, diamonds are made from pure carbon that has been exposed to extreme heat and temperatures. The only difference is that deep within the earth’s mantle, samples of carbon are exposed to these elements over a period of thousands of years or more.
Laboratory diamonds, on the other hand, are grown from pure carbon through the exposure of the sample to extreme heat in excess of 2000o C and pressure in excess of 60,000 atmospheres. Also, lab-made diamonds are fully grown in as little as four to 8 weeks.
Given the fact that lab diamonds and mined diamonds are both composed of pure carbon atoms aligned in a hexagonal crystal lattice - it’s only natural that people wonder which option is better? Keep reading as I uncover the differences between mined and lab-grown diamonds and the special attributes of synthetic diamonds that make them such an appealing option in today’s market.
Breaking down the differences between lab-grown diamonds and mined diamonds
As stated earlier, when it comes to the chemical composition of the two types of diamonds, they are the same. However, there are a couple of differences that can be detected. Contrary to popular belief though, these subtle differences make lab-grown diamonds the superior contender.
What are the differences between mined diamonds and synthetic diamonds?
- Diamond manufacturers, such as Heart in Diamond, have the ability to create diamonds with a higher level of clarity than diamonds that were plucked from the earth.
- A diamond that comes from the ground naturally has many different internal and sometimes rather noticeable flaws. This decreases its level of clarity, but it also helps make the diamond unique.
- The inclusions, or small imperfections, on a mined diamond are slightly different than the inclusions on a synthetic diamond. Generally speaking, the synthetic diamond will have fewer imperfections due to the controlled process of manufacturing the diamond. However, many of these inclusions are internal and others cannot be seen with the naked eye, so the only way to get a thorough assessment is by having the diamond graded.
- The growth morphology, or the shape the diamond takes according to the environment where they are created, can be different in synthetic gemstones versus mined diamonds.
In what ways are lab diamonds superior to mined diamonds?
- Synthetic diamonds cost approximately 30% less than the gemstones from the ground.
- Lab-grown diamonds are shinier and clearer because they have fewer imperfections. Learn more about lab-grown diamonds here.
- No one would ever be able to tell that you have a synthetic diamond because it is still a real diamond. Only an expert with complex testing equipment would be able to distinguish the difference.
- Lab-grown gemstones are the only eco-friendly option. You can feel good about buying a real diamond that was not plucked from the earth by a child who is forced to work under inhumane conditions in a war-struck country (as is the case for many mined diamonds). Furthermore, extensive mines have damaged entire ecosystems and devastated the earth.
- Because companies, such as Heart in Diamond, can make the stones from the cremated ashes or hair of a loved one, these come with a heavy emotional load. By having the carbon from a loved one used to grow the diamond, you’re left with an authentic gemstone unique according to the chemical make-up of the carbon sample.
So which option is better? For value for money and quality, the answer is clear. Scientists who work at diamond-growing laboratories aim for 100% purity when making these gems and will not sell anything that is less than 99.5%. This results in a diamond that is harder, purer, clearer, and shinier than mined diamonds. Shop for synthetic diamonds today and choose the shape, colour, and setting for your diamond to have a creation customized specifically for you.
*Collaborative post
I didn't know you could get synthetic diamonds how great and so much better for the environment.
ReplyDeleteI think it's great you can buy synthetic diamonds that don't cause the damage to the environment.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea you could make synthetic diamonds from a loved one's ashes.
ReplyDeleteThat was an interesting read. Thank you. I have long had concerns about the dangers to miners of mining for gemstones so it is good to know that lab-grown diamonds are so good.
ReplyDelete