March 28, 2024

Lab-Grown Diamonds vs. Mined Diamonds

If you wonder what the main differences and similarities between lab-grown diamonds vs. mined diamonds are, you are at the right place. This article explains more about the diamonds usually found on the market. You can always learn more at Rare Carat and find out what you can expect next time you decide to buy diamonds.

What Is the Main Difference Between the Lab-Grown and Mined Diamonds?

First, we should know how lab-grown diamonds are made and how mined diamonds are produced. The scientists in the lab create lab-grown diamonds in conditions that simulate the natural processes in nature. The process is different but still similar.

When in nature, diamonds need billions of years to form the structure that makes them unique. They are made from the earth’s crust and emerge thanks to the volcanic eruptions on the earth’s surface. In this manner, the diamonds create an easily recognizable structure.

The process of diamond creation is related to high temperatures and pressure inside the earth. As a result, we get stones of different sizes and characteristics. You can learn more at Rare Carat that some diamonds take millions of years to create the specific shape, while others are made within a few days or months. It all depends on the pressure and temperature in the earth at the moment of diamond creation.

Usually, the miners can find diamonds approximately 90 to 120 miles under the earth. This area is famous as a diamond stability zone, where most temperatures are above 1000 degrees Celsius. At these debts of the earth, the miners usually find the pressure of 45- and 60- kilobars.

If you want to find out about the differences, learn more at Rare Carat.

Lab-grown diamonds are created in laboratories due to one of the two possible processes. These two methods are High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).

It is good to know that the diamond experts press pure carbon within the metal cube during HPHT. Then, the carbon is exposed to pressure and heat with the help of electric impulses. When the heat and pressure affect the carbon part, it breaks down, creates a crystallized mass, and transforms into a diamond. As a result, the lab-grown diamond has a metal part that is almost impossible to notice with the naked eye.

On the other hand, there are CVD methods of diamond creation. With this option, the diamond creator places a minuscule slice of diamond inside the chamber that is later exposed to extremely high temperatures. At the same time, the chamber is also influenced by carbon-rich gas, affecting the overall diamond-creation process.

During this method, the carbon gas goes through the process of ionization, and some particles combine with the original slice of the diamond. Learn more at Rare Carat about this process. The crystallization creates a mass that later forms a piece of a diamond. CVD diamonds can grow very fast, forming internal flaws that affect the overall appearance of the diamond. At the same time, these diamonds have brown undertones that are not attractive. The diamonds need to go through post-grown treatment, which can improve these diamonds’ overall look.

Many experts claim that HTPT diamonds are better than CVD diamonds for all these reasons. In general, HTPT requires less work after the diamond production, and the costs are usually lower afterward.

How Are Lab-Grown and Mined Diamonds Similar?

Both lab-grown and mined diamonds are similar in chemical composition. They are made of carbon and have a matching crystal structure. The diamonds have the same durability, hardness, and chemical properties. It is possible to learn more at Rare Carat about all the diamond properties.

At the same time, lab-grown diamonds look and feel completely the same as mined diamonds. They have fire, brilliance, and scintillation, making the diamond distinctive and unique. There are also similar characteristics when it comes to dispersion and refractive index. These factors make the diamonds almost the same in physical traits.

Lab-grown and mined diamonds are evaluated according to the 4Cs criteria (cut, clarity, color, and carat weight) when determining the quality and value. In this manner, the diamonds hold a value determined by the price. In general, lab-grown diamonds are cheaper than mined diamonds, but they can still have an attractive appearance if the characteristics of the diamonds are appropriately balanced.

Learn more at Rare Carat about the prices and offerings of lab-grown and mined diamonds, and find your favorites.

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