Methods of Diamond Formation and Alternatives to Real Diamonds

Diamonds are made from a combination of carbon and impurities. The impurities determine the color of a diamond. The most common impurities come from nickel, which gives diamonds their blue tint; titanium, which makes them yellowish-brown; iron gas bubbles make them gray or black; and uranium gives them an orange-yellow tint. These impurities get trapped in carbon pockets inside impermeable rocks such as limestone or claystone. The impurities are in the form of ions, in the form of metallic atoms, or in the form of molecules.

Here are 4 unique ways of diamond formation that you must know about:

Lab-Grown Diamonds

Ethical Lab Grown Diamonds are formed when carbon atoms in the vacuum chamber bond with one another. The process starts when carbon dioxide gets heated up to 800-1200°C. The carbon atoms form a diamond film on the surface of the material, which is cooled down. This type of diamond is called CVD Diamond or Chemical Vapor Deposition Diamond because it forms in a high-temperature chamber. 

You can purchase lab created diamonds from New World Diamonds since they offer 100% authentic and conflict-free diamonds

Earth Grown Diamonds

The most common way for a diamond to form is through a process called crystallization. In this scenario, carbon-containing minerals convert into graphite, which then undergoes further chemical changes until it forms a hexagonal pattern of interlocking atoms. This is what happens in most instances of diamond formation, but there are other methods as well! These methods utilize the properties of many different materials.

Diamond Formation in Space

It’s no wonder that the idea of diamonds formed in space exists; we know that it gets very cold out there. The materials that make up a diamond used to be inside the star, and when the star explodes, only the materials survive, and they land on a planet such as Earth.

It’s also possible for diamonds to form in space without a supernova occurring. The cosmic dust contained in these asteroids contains carbon compounds, which can turn into graphite before finally turning into diamonds! Also, comets contain ice and silicon dioxide that could also be converted into diamonds under the right conditions.

Diamond Formation in Subduction Zones

Diamonds are formed when two liquids (one of which is usually carbon) come together, with one liquid immiscible in the other. This process is called subduction. Siliceous dissolvents, or liquids that dissolve silica, are said to be immiscible with the host liquid. The formation of diamonds occurs on the surface of a body that dissolves into these two immiscible foreign liquids — one being silica-based and the other being anything else.

Although there are various ways in which diamonds are formed, it is quite difficult to extract them the natural way. It requires a lot of mining and other processes. Diamonds are so hard to come by naturally that when they are discovered, they are often thought to be a sign of good luck. But what if the best fortune you could hope for is the kind that doesn’t need digging, cutting, or mining? 

Well, as you know now that Lab-grown diamonds are man-made diamonds and can be created in a lab through different production processes. However, a lot of people mistake lab created diamonds as artificial diamonds, but that is not the case. Artificial diamonds are totally different, and are not real diamonds for that matter, they are just diamond alternatives. 

It’s important to know the differences between lab-grown and artificial diamonds to recognize them and understand the pricing. Here, we will discuss how these two jewels differ in availability, price, quality, and everything else you could think of! 

Lab-Grown Diamonds – The Real Man-made Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds are a popular choice for the people nowadays. Not only are they a lot cheaper than natural diamonds, but there is also no danger of the diamond being a conflict diamond. They have been known to have a purity level higher than their natural counterpart. In addition, the gems are often chemically pure and free from gases or elements that can be incorporated into the formation process. Natural diamonds do end up with impurities over time, but these can be washed out. 

Artificial Diamonds – Diamond Alternatives

Artificial diamonds are an entirely different breed. These gems are composed of synthetic materials that are perfectly cut to mimic precious gemstones, including the flawless internal structure that appears with natural gems. They also have a density almost identical to natural diamonds, which helps to make them extremely light in weight relative to their size. Out of all diamonds, it is the faceted Cubic Zirconia that is most commonly bought. This artificial diamond mimics the look and feel of a real diamond in certain ways while also being extremely durable. Like lab-grown diamonds, these stones are created using machines, but their cheaper price doesn’t mean they’re not as elegant as natural ones. Although they are not real diamonds, they are still beautiful. 

Lab created diamonds are an alternative for all consumers who want a luxurious diamond without breaking the bank. While artificial diamonds are great for people who want to stay within the budget. So, Lab-grown, Natural or Artificial? The answer may depend on your budget and what you’re looking for in a diamond. 

New World Diamonds is a company that offers certified lab-grown diamonds. They offer lab-grown diamonds of any size and color, including white, yellow, blue, red, and green diamonds. New World Diamonds grow these diamonds in-house, making them conflict-free and inexpensive.