What is a lab grown diamond?

Lab grown diamonds, also called lab created diamonds or man made diamonds, are diamonds that are created in a controlled laboratory environment. Lab grown diamonds have the exact same physical, optical, and chemical properties as earths mined diamonds. Lab diamonds have the same carbon atom crystal structure as natural diamonds, which gives them the same superior hardness and spectacular beauty. The only difference between lab grown and mined diamonds is how they are created.

When scientists create a diamond in a lab, they replicate how diamonds form in the Earth’s crust. Natural diamonds formed many years ago deep below the Earth’s surface. In the Earth, carbon atoms crystallize due to the intense heat and extreme pressure surrounding them, which creates diamonds. When scientists replicate this process in a lab, they use one of two methods: high pressure high temperature (HPHT) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD).

With the HPHT method, scientists start with a diamond seed, a tiny piece of a diamond. They then place this diamond seed into a controlled chamber and surround the diamond seed with pure carbon. Next, they expose these two materials to very high pressures and temperatures. These conditions cause the pure carbon to melt and bonds around the diamond seed. The carbon bonds to the diamond layer by layer, growing each day and eventually creating a lab grown diamond.

Lab Grown vs Mined

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