In recent decades, scientists have found a way to create diamonds from scratch using human-made tools. They use these tools in their laboratories and form diamonds. There are basically two types of processes that can be used to create lab-grown diamonds. These processes are High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT), and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).
The HPHT method is about replicating the original and natural process of diamond formation. Scientists use the natural process at a fast pace using their laboratory equipment to form diamonds. It is a famous process, and it is used around the globe for the same purpose. A significant difference between natural and lab-grown diamonds is that natural ones are nonmagnetic while lab-grown ones are magnetic because of the metallic inclusions. The CVD method was created in the 1980s. It used the process of vacuuming carbon gases to turn them into diamonds. These are pure diamonds because they don’t have metallic inclusions like boron and nitrogen. These are also non-magnetic.
However, the HPHT method is more prevalent in the world market today. Hence you will find almost all Lab-grown diamonds made using this method. The following points will help you understand the HPHT process clearly:
Pressure
The diamond seeds are put in the machine to undergo searingly high temperatures, under 1600 degrees celsius. After the seeds go through high temperatures, the machine applies intense pressure on them, which melts the metal catalyst.
Atom accumulation
After the metal melts, it takes carbon atoms from graphite to seed crystal. Then these carbon atoms slowly start forming around the crystal and start taking the multi-sided classic diamond’s shape. A raw diamond form is then forwarded to the next step.
Cut and polish
After undergoing all the processes, the raw diamond is then left to cool down. After that, it is cut in a perfect shape and polished depending upon the type of colour and feel the catalysts want to give.
HPHT is the most economical process, which makes it the most famous all over. The natural process of diamond creation takes thousands of years, and the demands are incredibly high. It is why scientists had to come up with ways to form diamonds in less time and with better quality. Nowadays, you won’t even be able to differentiate between a lab-grown diamond and a natural diamond.
However, manufacturers do specify the origin and process or creation of the diamond in the certificates they give with the product. This transparency is essential in such a business because diamonds cost a fortune, and such a big investment should not be taken lightly. This artificial advancement also brought positive changes for the environment, reducing mining for diamonds. According to studies, 250 tonnes of earth has to be shifted to get one carat of diamond. This process is extremely harmful to the environment due to large-scale carbon emissions.
Growing diamonds in laboratories can also be tricky as the process can release harmful gases. It is why the manufacturers must ensure that the process causes minor damage to the environment. The more conscious the brands will be about the environment, the more the consumers will appreciate and stand by the brand. Before investing in their products, you must also do thorough research about the carbon footprint that the brand leaves.
Author Bio:
Alison Lurie is a farmer of words in the field of creativity. She is an experienced independent content writer with a demonstrated history of working in the writing and editing industry. She is a multi-niche content chef who loves cooking new things.
