Material of diamonds – natural mine diamonds & lab-grown diamonds (LGDs)

In order to understand and assess laboratory diamonds and mine diamonds and to recognize possible differences, it is essential to clarify first: What is a diamond anyway? What material are diamonds made of? And why and how can they be bred?

Diamonds have fascinated people for centuries with their extraordinary hardness, brilliant sparkle and timeless beauty. But what really makes a diamond? Whether naturally grown or cultivated in a laboratory, the material remains the same: pure crystalline carbon in a cubic atomic lattice structure. Thanks to state-of-the-art technology, it is now possible to produce laboratory diamonds that are identical to mine diamonds in terms of chemical composition, optical properties and hardness. Find out more about the chemical structure, the different diamond types (Type I & Type II) and the difference to alternatives such as zirconia and moissanite.

General definition & properties of diamonds:

🔹 What is a diamond Properties, material & chemical composition
🔹 Diamonds explained: structure, types & chemical characteristics
🔹 Diamond definition: The science behind the hardest gemstone

DIAMONDS DEFINITION

23.12 Definition of the word “diamond.” (U.S. FTC, Federal Trade Commission)

What is a diamond What is the definition of diamonds? What are diamonds made of? What material are diamonds? Must be real diamonds from the mine? What are natural diamonds, natural diamonds? Are Lab Grown Diamonds, lab diamonds real diamonds? Are Lab Grown Diamonds, lab diamonds identical to mine diamonds? Are there any law articles on Lab Grown Diamonds? Is there any evidence that Lab Grown Diamonds are really real diamonds?

(a) A diamond is a mineral consisting essentially of pure carbon crystallized in the isometric system. It is found in many colors. Its hardness is 10; its specific gravity is approximately 3.52; and it has a refractive index of 2.42.
Laboratory-created stones (also called laboratory-grown, or manufacturer-created stones) have the same chemical, physical, and visual properties as natural gemstones, but they are manufactured.

(a) A diamond is a mineral that essentially consists of pure carbon and crystallizes in the cubic crystal system. It occurs in many colors. Its hardness is 10, its specific density is around 3.52 and its refractive index is 2.42.

Laboratory-grown stones (also known as lab-grown or manufactured stones) have the same chemical, physical and optical composition as natural gemstones, but are produced artificially.

✅ Diamonds consist of pure carbon, crystallized in the cubic system.
✅ Laboratory diamonds are real diamonds with an identical chemical, physical and optical structure.
✅ The only difference is the origin – naturally grown vs. lab-grown.

Summary of Basis and Purpose for the Revised Jewelry Guides – August 8, 2018

Eliminate the word “natural” from the diamond definition
The final Guides therefore eliminate the word “natural” from the diamond definition. When the Commission first used this definition in 1956,432 there was only one type of diamond product on the market: natural stones mined from the earth. Since then, technological advances have made it possible to create diamonds in a laboratory. These stones have essentially the same optical, physical, and chemical properties as mined diamonds. Thus, they are diamonds.

The final guidelines remove the word “natural” from the definition of diamonds. When the Commission first used this definition in 1956, there was only one type of diamond on the market: stones mined from the earth.

Since then, technological advances have made it possible to produce diamonds in the laboratory. These stones have essentially the same optical, physical and chemical properties as mined diamonds. Therefore, they are diamonds.

The distinctions between these lab-created diamonds and mined stones are addressed elsewhere in the Guides.433 Because it is no longer correct to define diamonds as “natural,” the final Guides do not include “natural” in the diamond definition.

MATERIAL OF DIAMONDS – chemical composition of diamonds

What is a diamond

What is a diamond What material are diamonds made of? What kind of material are laboratory diamonds? What material are lab-grown diamonds made of? What are Lab Grown Diamonds made of? What is the chemical composition of a diamond? Did Lab Grown Diamonds differ chemically from diamonds from the mine?

All genuine diamonds consist of pure crystallized carbon.

Diamond material =
✅ Crystallized carbon
(Pure Carbon, cubic C)

Every real diamond consists of pure crystallized carbon, the atomic lattice structure is cubic, i.e. the atoms are arranged in a cube shape at right angles (Pure Carbon, cubic C).

Diamond is the cubic modification of carbon and, as a naturally occurring solid, is a mineral from the mineral class of the elements. Diamond usually forms octahedral crystals, often with curved and streaky surfaces. Other shapes observed are the tetrahedron, dodecahedron and the cube. The crystals are transparent, colorless or colored green, yellow, brown and, more rarely, orange, blue, pink, red or gray to black due to impurities (e.g. nitrogen or boron) or crystal lattice defects.

Carbon (chemical element “C”)
Essential element of the biosphere

Carbon (Latinized carboneum or carbonium) is a natural substance that occurs frequently on earth. Carbon is a chemical element with the element symbol C and the atomic number 6. It occurs in nature both in a dignified (pure) form (diamond, graphite, chaoite) and chemically bound (e.g. in the form of carbides, carbonates, carbon dioxide, petroleum, Natural gas and coal). Carbon is an essential element of the biosphere; in all living beings – after oxygen (water) – it is the most important element in terms of weight. All living tissue is made up of (organic) carbon compounds. Geologically, on the other hand, carbon is not one of the most common elements, because the mass fraction of carbon in the earth’s crust is only 0.027%.

Chemical and physical properties of diamonds
✅ Diamond is the hardest natural substance (10 Mohs scale)
hardest substance on earth -> practically indestructible
✅ High refraction, high dispersion

Diamond is the hardest natural substance

In the Mohs hardness scale, it has a hardness of 10

What is the hardest material on earth? Are diamonds the hardest material on earth? Are Lab Grown Diamonds the same hardness as mine diamonds? Are diamonds indestructible? Do Lab Grown diamonds have the same longevity as mine diamonds?

Its grinding hardness according to Rosiwal (also absolute hardness) is 140 times greater than that of corundum. However, the hardness of the diamond is different in different crystal directions (anisotropy). This makes it possible to cut diamond with diamonds. In the diamond powder used for this purpose, the crystals are in every orientation (statistical isotropy), so that the hardest of them always act on the body to be ground.

Diamond is optically isotropic with high light refraction and high dispersion

It sometimes shows fluorescence and phosphorescence and is triboelectric. It has the highest thermal conductivity of all known minerals.

The weight of individual diamonds is traditionally given in carats, a unit that corresponds exactly to 0.2 grams (see section “Weight in carats”). An untreated diamond, ie in particular an uncut diamond, is called a rough diamond.

Hardest substance on earth

practically indestructible

Can you break a diamond? Can you destroy a diamond?
The diamond is the hardest natural substance on earth. On the Mohs hardness scale, it has a hardness of 10. It can cut any kind of rock or metal, but only another diamond can cut a diamond . To burn a diamond, it has to be heated to between 1,290 and 1,650 degrees Celsius. But the oil that is deposited by the mere touch of a human finger can cause dirt to build up and this almost indestructible gemstone quickly loses its sparkling charm.

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES of diamonds

Do lab-grown diamonds have the same properties, chemical composition, structure, refractive index, dispersion, hardness and density as natural mine diamonds? Are laboratory diamonds as hard as diamonds from the mine? Do laboratory diamonds have the same longevity as mine diamonds?

Diamond versus gold
Difference between diamond and gold (Periodic table of chemistry)

What is the difference of diamonds and gold? Why can you make diamonds in the lab and not gold?
The short answer is: diamonds are not the chemical element itself, but are a special form (crystallized, cubic) of the chemical element “C” carbon. Gold is the chemical element “AU” itself. This essential difference makes it possible to grow Lab Grown Diamonds.

“C” Carbon

Many people think a diamond is a commodity like gold.
-> This is not entirely correct.

Diamond = crystallized carbon -> chemical element = “C” Carbon
Diamond
= crystallized form of carbon / graphite
= chemically most stable (atoms arranged cubically / wüfelfömig (right angles)) and most expensive form

Diamond = crystallized carbon -> chemical element = “C” carbon (not the diamond itself).
Gold = chemical element “AU”.
The material of diamonds is crystallized carbon! That is, the most valuable form of carbon.
“Carbon” (C) is the element of the chemical periodic table.
A diamond in this form is not an element of the chemical periodic table like gold (AU).

TECHNOLOGICAL PROGRESS -> Possibility to grow diamonds

Technological progress & diamond growing:

🔹 How are diamonds created? Natural & cultured diamonds in comparison
🔹 Technological innovation: how diamonds are grown in the lab
🔹 Laboratory diamonds: Production, material & development of diamond growing

Technology brings with it innovations, inventions and advances from which we can benefit.

Technical possibility of producing diamonds
Many people think diamonds are like gold -> both a raw material, both from the ground.
Fortunately, there is a crucial difference that we have to thank for the fact that the production of diamonds is technically possible, but that of gold is not (yet?).

✅ Diamond = special form (= cubish) of carbon and not the chemical element itself
The diamond is a special form (= cubish) of carbon and not the chemical element itself from the chemistry periods table (= carbon) distinguishes the diamond fundamentally from gold (= chemical element AU).
❌ Gold = chemical element AU

This fact opens up the technical possibility of producing and cultivating diamonds.
In other words, if you can technically convert the chemical element carbon (C) into its most valuable form, “crystallized carbon”, then you have created a diamond.
For example, carbon in the form of “graphite (= pencil point)”with a soft plate-like atomic structure -> into “diamond” with a cubic, very stable atomic structure.
Conversion of carbon (C) -> into “crystallized carbon (cubic C)” = diamond.
Cool?!

❌ Gold = chemical element “AU” of the periodic table of chemistry
In the case of gold (AU), however, it would be necessary to be able to split atoms in order to produce it and this has not yet been possible.

What is gold? What is gold made of? Gold is the element “AU” (Latin aurum) of the periodic table of chemistry.
With gold (AU), on the other hand, you would have to be able to split atoms to make it, and so far that has not been possible. Early in history, alchemists had tried this, but failed.

Lab-Diamonds | Lab-Grown Diamonds | LGDs

Laboratory diamonds: Definition & Differences

🔹 What is a lab-grown diamond? Lab-Grown Diamonds simply explained
🔹 Laboratory diamonds vs. mine diamonds: Is there a difference?
🔹 Lab Grown Diamonds: Properties, advantages & comparison with mine diamonds

What is a lab-grown diamond? Lab-Grown Diamonds simply explained

Laboratory diamonds, also knownas lab-grown diamonds (LGD), lab-grown diamonds or lab-grown diamonds, are real diamonds that are produced under controlled conditions using state-of-the-art technology. Just like natural diamonds, they consist of pure crystallized carbon with a cubic crystal structure.

How are laboratory diamonds created?
Natural diamonds are formed deep in the earth’s mantle under extreme pressure and high temperatures – their growth does not take millions of years, but can take place in a few days to months under ideal conditions. Only then do they remain trapped in the rock for millions of years until they are brought to the surface by volcanic activity or mining (kimberlite pipe).

Laboratory diamonds, on the other hand, grow under controlled conditions in modern laboratories. While smaller stones are often created in just a few weeks, larger or particularly high-quality diamonds take several months. Growing too quickly can cause tension or inclusions, which is why experienced growers carefully control the process to ensure optimum quality. Two main methods are used:

1️⃣ HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature): Simulates the natural formation process through high pressure and high temperatures.
2️⃣ CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition): Creates the diamond layer by layer by depositing carbon atoms in a plasma chamber.

Are laboratory diamonds real diamonds?

Yes! Chemically, physically and optically, they are identical to natural diamonds. Their hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), brilliance and fire are also exactly the same.

Even experienced jewelers cannot distinguish between lab diamonds and mine diamonds. This is also not possible with many special devices, as most of them only differentiate between Type I and Type II diamonds – and both types occur in both mine and laboratory diamonds.

Laboratory diamonds versus natural mine diamonds – are there differences?

✔ O rigin: Mined diamonds are created in the earth, lab-grown diamonds in controlled laboratories.
✔ Sustainability: Lab-grown diamonds have a lower environmental impact than diamond mining.
✔ Price: Lab-grown diamonds are usually cheaper than natural diamonds of the same quality.

Whether you choose a natural or a lab-grown diamond, both are real diamonds with fascinating brilliance and timeless beauty. ✨

Lab-Diamonds | Lab-Grown Diamonds = same material, same atomic lattice structure

Are lab-grown diamonds made from the same material as diamonds from the mine?
Are there differences between Lab Grown Diamonds and Mining Diamonds?
Can you see differences from Lab Grown Diamonds to those from the mine?

Lab grown diamonds are made of the same material (= crystallized carbon) as mine diamonds and have the same atomic lattice structure. This means that the carbon atoms are arranged in the same way in both rennet diamonds and mine diamonds = cubic (cube-shaped)!

What more could you want?

Laboratory diamonds are
✅ Same material (= crystallized carbon)
✅ same atomic lattice structure = cubic (cube-shaped)
✅ optically, chemically and physically identical!
…. like mine diamonds…

TYPE I and TYPE II DIAMONDS

Are there different diamond types? What are the types of diamonds? What is a Type I Diamond? What is a Type II diamond? What are Type IIa diamonds? Is a Type II diamond better than a Type I? Are Type II diamonds rarer than Type I? What is a Type IIa Lab Grown Diamond?

98% of all diamonds are Type I diamonds which contain nitrogen (nitrogen). In yellow diamonds, the nitrogen gives the beautiful yellow color. In white diamonds, nitrogen is an impurity, so in white diamonds, Type I diamonds are inferior and less valuable than Type II diamonds.

Type IIa diamonds are the most valuable and chemically pure type of diamonds with exceptional optical transparency. They are almost 100% nitrogen-free. Only 2% of all mine diamonds are type IIa, which is a very rare, valuable and exclusive group of diamonds.
Type II diamonds are purer, rarer, more sought-after and more expensive. Type II diamonds are virtually nitrogen free. There are white, brown, pink / pink, red type IIa diamonds and blue type IIb diamonds.

Lab diamonds are usually the better, purer and more expensive Type II diamonds
✅ Type II
Almost all lab diamonds are Type II. …. They are therefore among the best 2% in terms of quality and have practically no nitrogen impurities.
❌⚠️ only 2% of mine diamonds = purest, most expensive and most sought-after white diamonds

Type II (only 2% of mine diamonds = purest, most expensive and most sought-after white diamonds)
Virtually all Lab diamonds are Type II.…. They therefore belong to the top 2% in terms of quality and have practically no nitrogen impurities.

Diamonds are mainly made of carbon. However, there are other elements that are part of the diamond’s internal structure, and these affect the color grade of fancy color diamonds.

• Type I
  • Diamonds WITH nitrogen (N) atoms (= “nitrogen group”)
  • approx. 98% of all mined diamonds
  • IaAB, IaA, IaB and Ib (depending on the way nitrogen combines with carbon in the internal structure of the diamond).
  • white diamonds → nitrogen in them is not “light-absorbing
  • e.g. yellow (Yellow), orange (Orange) → nitrogen in them absorbs color
  • brown, in some blue & green & in australian pink diamonds
• Type II
  • almost 100% nitrogen-free (= WITHOUT nitrogen)
  • approx. 2% of all mine diamonds → very rare group of diamonds
• Type IIa
  • purest diamonds = consist almost entirely of carbon
  • they can be colorless (White), brown (Brown) or pink (Pink)
• Type IIb
  • ultra-red and nitrogen-free
  • blue fancy diamonds (Fancy Color BLUE)
  • contain boron (B) atoms → this boron in the otherwise pure carbon atom structure is responsible for the blue color in blue fancy diamonds
  • conduct electricity

Comparison of Diamonds & Diamond alternatives

Comparison of diamonds & alternatives:

🔹 Diamond vs. moissanite vs. zirconia – differences & properties
🔹 Laboratory diamonds or natural diamonds? Which is the better choice?
🔹 Mine diamonds vs. lab-grown diamonds: what you should know

Difference diamond versus zirconia and moissanite

What are diamond simulants? What are diamond imitations?
What is a zirconia? Is a cubic zirconia a real diamond or a fake diamond? Is a cubic zirconia the same as a Lab Grown diamond?
What is a Moissanite? Is a moissanite a real diamond or a fake diamond? Is a Moissanite the same as a Lab Grown diamond?
What is the difference between Lab Grown Diamonds and synthetic diamonds like Zirconia and Moissanite?
Are Lab Grown Stones the same as Lab Grown Diamonds?

Attention!
Unfortunately, there are suppliers who work with fake Lab Grown Diamonds and try to deceive the consumer. Lab Grown Stone does not necessarily mean Lab Grown Diamond. We have seen plenty of other descriptions that have nothing to do with real diamonds and nothing to do with Lab Grown Diamonds.

Synthetic Cubic Zirconia (CZ)

No, Zirconia are not the same as Lab Grown Diamonds. Zirconia are not real diamonds!

Zirconia are made of zirconium(IV) oxide. They are very cheap fake diamonds “Diamond Simulants”. Repeated contact with water will damage the stone. This is a completely different material and never has the hardness and longevity of a diamond (8 versus 10). Cubic zircon will last two to three years with daily wear, as long as you clean and care for your jewelry. With occasional wear, a cubic zirconia can last up to five years. Over time, zirconia usually becomes scratched and cloudy. Cubic zirconia becomes cloudy over time due to scratches, soap and mineral residues, dirt, and exposure to oxygen in air and water.

Synthetic Moissanite (SIC)

What is a moissanite diamond? No, Moissanite is not the same as Lab Grown Diamonds. Moissanites are not real diamonds!
For laymen, moissanites are more difficult to distinguish from real diamonds.

Moissanites are made of silicon carbide. These are also not diamonds, but an imitation “Diamond Simulants”. This is also a very different material and although very hard, does not have the hardness (9.25 versus 10) and properties of diamonds. Moissanite is closest in physical properties to diamond than any other diamond simulant. But are clearly fake diamonds and can be distinguished by experts.