A diamond is famous for its shape, attractive look, and hardness. The majority of them are colourless. However, there are a very few varieties which possess some colour. There are several processes involved in the formation of this natural masterpiece. Perhaps nobody can guess how much hardship a diamond faces before coming up to the surface of earth.
First of all, it is better to discuss some of the history of this brilliant stone. According to an estimate, the formation of this stone began around 3.
All diamonds which we see on earth have been developed in the extreme depth, and came out through a volcanic eruption or other natural process. It is estimated that these gems are formed around kilometers deep inside the earth.
Carbon can have several shapes. The most well-known form of carbon is diamond. Beneath the earth, carbon is intermingled with magma under high pressure and temperature. It is estimated that most of the diamonds have been developed at a temperature of degrees centigrade and under a pressure of more than 50, atmospheres.
However, they can also be obtained by means of mines. An interesting feature associated with these stones is that they are not found where they are formed. That old myth about how diamonds are formed is giving way to a more accurate description of the birth of a natural diamond. Diamonds are actually created through the connection and bond made by highly organized carbon materials.
What exactly the carbon materials are, and how they came to be found in the area where diamond creation occurs, is still somewhat of a mystery. The carbon material on its own cannot form a diamond. The conditions surrounding how diamonds are formed are precise and intense. A diamond needs both very high temperature and very strong pressure in order to metamorphose from its basic carbon form into the gem we see in jewelry all over the world.
Under the duress of approximately , pounds per square inch, and at temperatures of — degrees Fahrenheit , a diamond will begin to form. The carbon atoms bond together to form crystals under this high pressure and temperature. The majority of diamonds found today in commercial mines and deposits were brought to the surface through violent volcanic eruptions.
This process is believed to have happened extremely quickly, likely in a matter of hours, with the diamond formations traveling at rates of 20 — 30 miles per hour. Had the process not happened this quickly, the result would have turned the diamond into graphite along the way. The diamonds brought to the surface are then contained within pipes, known as Kimberlite. Kimberlite is cooled volcanic material, which keeps the diamond locked in its natural form.
Scientists are still struggling to figure out how long it takes diamonds to form. It is impossible to replicate the exact scientific conditions within a lab — temperature and pressure notwithstanding. So, the best science can do is carbon date the minerals surrounding the diamond formation in order to determine the age, typically between hundreds of millions of years and 1 to 3 billion years.
Synthetic diamonds are grown with the use of technology that replicates the conditions under which a natural diamond develops. In addition, the carbon footprint left behind from mining is greatly reduced, and may be a fraction of what is caused from mined diamonds.
Lab diamonds are also not associated with the ethical concerns inherent in mined diamonds. Companies cultivate good working conditions, unlike the blood diamond trade where working conditions are akin to slave labor to create what is considered a conflict diamond.
There is also no concern of employees being at-risk for mining related accidents. Comparing lab diamonds and diamond alternatives primarily involves a matter of composition. Diamond alternatives are not made of a crystalized carbon structure, making them chemically different than diamonds. This also has a resulting impact on the quality of the stones in ways. Lab diamonds are graded using the 4Cs of Diamond Quality, just as mined diamonds are. Each diamond deposit will turn out differently due to the chemical composition, and because of that, so will the quality.
Since a perfect stone is extremely rare, most stones will have some inclusions, but whether they are noticeable to the naked eye will determine their price point. Cut: All lab diamonds can be cut differently, and will depend on the company who sells them. Some companies exclusively offer higher cut grades, meaning stones that are cut to an Ideal standard will allow them to emit the most brilliance and fire.
The higher the grade, the more light the stone will reflect. This can cause stones to show slightly yellow in color. All stones are measured on the diamond color scale , and the less color a stone shows, the more valuable it will be. Carat: Diamonds vary in weight. In a lab, diamonds are in a controlled state and can be grown for a longer period of time to reach a larger size.
The larger a stone is, as indicated on the diamond carat chart , the higher the price point will be. Diamond alternatives have a slightly different quality to them. When you decide to embark on the journey of finding the best diamond for your engagement ring or other fine jewelry, the best route is to be informed. By taking all of the information about how diamonds are made and how that impacts quality, appearance and price, you will be equipped to find the perfect diamond for you.
Price points and environmental facts expressed in this blog were taken from popular online retailers and may vary. Learn more about the environmental impact of mining by visiting our blog. A Forever Company. Enter our monthly contest for a chance to win a Diamond Nexus shopping spree. Make sure you watch your email for more information from us and enjoy shopping our site.
How Are Diamonds Formed? Are Mined Diamonds Good for the Environment? Do Diamonds Come from Coal? About Lab Diamonds Are lab diamonds real? How are Lab Diamonds Made? Can Humans Make Diamond? About Diamond Alternatives Diamond alternatives are simulant stones that resemble diamonds, but are chemically distinct.
The Difference Between Mined Diamonds, Lab Diamonds and Diamond Alternative Options Each of these stone options are created in different ways, which results in different characteristics. Mined vs. Lab Diamonds The differences between the two stone options come down to price point, environmental damage and ethical concerns. Lab Diamonds vs.
Diamond Alternatives Comparing lab diamonds and diamond alternatives primarily involves a matter of composition. As Featured In.
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