The Science Behind Lab Grown Diamonds: What, How, When, Why

Creating lab grown diamonds is a magical and wonderful process, one that’s based on science. However, the journey from a seed to a polished diamond is a complex one that goes through several calculated and careful steps. This blog will guide you through the science behind lab diamonds, their growth, various components, processes, and more.

Let’s get started!

Factors involved in growing laboratory diamonds

Some of the key factors involved in creating man-made diamonds are the material, the process, the equipment, among others. Let’s look at some of these factors in detail.

The seed

The first thing required to grow engineered diamonds is a seed crystal. Seeds are nothing but crushed diamond powder. The seed is made up of carbon and may also contain other chemicals, such as nitrogen. However, its main component is carbon.

The crystal seeds provide a base for the growth of diamonds. The seeds go through two processes for the creation of diamonds — High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Both these processes are different and engage differently with the diamond seed.

The seed either goes through gases or high temperature and pressure that leads to the growth of layers of carbon atoms. The lab diamond keeps growing bigger based on the atomic patterns of the seed crystal.

The growth process

The two processes used to create lab grown diamonds are HPHT and CVD. Let’s go through these processes in detail.

1. HPHT

HPHT lab diamonds are created by placing a diamond seed - carbon crystal - in a chamber.
The carbon crystal is then joined by materials, such as graphite and metal particles.
This combination is then put through intense pressure and high temperatures.
This process replicates the natural conditions below the Earth's crust. This process makes the carbon atoms rearrange into a crystal lattice structure, forming a diamond.
This process is carried out in a controlled laboratory environment, ensuring the production of high-quality lab grown diamonds that are virtually indistinguishable from natural, mined diamonds.
Once the diamond has grown to the desired size, the chamber is cooled down. This allows the newly grown diamond to solidify.

2. CVD

In the CVD process, a good quality diamond seed is placed in a chamber.
The chamber is heated, and gas is added in the chamber.
Here, the gas carbon atoms are broken down.
These atoms combine with the diamond seed and form more crystals, leading to the formation of the lab diamond.
The temperature, pressure, and other aspects are controlled and monitored at all times.

On conclusion

Creating the best man-made diamonds is science but it is also an art. Lab grown diamonds are created using advanced technology and scientific methods. The industry is continuously experimenting with new methods, technology, and more to expand the field of lab diamonds. If you’re looking for lab grown diamonds or to learn more about them, check out Grown Diamond Corporation to know more about these scientific wonders.

FAQs

Question: What are lab grown diamonds made of?

Answer: Engineered diamonds are made of carbon atoms that go through the same processes that simulate the way diamonds are formed under the Earth’s crust. The starting point of growing diamonds is a diamond seed crystal, in other words, this is a particle of a diamond.

Question: How long does it take for a lab grown diamond to form?

Answer: The process of making diamonds typically takes a few weeks to a few months. The time taken to grow engineered diamonds depends on the size and quality of the diamond.

Question: Are cultured diamonds considered real diamonds?

Answer: Yes, lab created diamonds are as real as mined diamonds, as they have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties that naturally-made diamonds have.

Question: Are engineered diamonds as strong as natural diamonds?

Answer: Yes, lab diamonds are strong and durable, just like diamonds extracted from the Earth. Lab diamonds can be used on a regular basis as well as for special occasions.

Question: Which countries produce the best lab grown diamonds?

Answer: Many countries produce lab grown diamonds, such as the USA, India, and China, among others. India and the USA are known to be the best lab diamond producers in the world.

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This blog will guide you through the science behind lab diamonds, their growth, various components, processes, and more.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eLet\u0026rsquo;s get started!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFactors involved in growing laboratory diamonds\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eSome of the key factors involved in creating \u003ca href=\"https://www.growndiamondcorp.com/blog/man-made-diamonds-are-the-future-heres-why/\"\u003eman-made diamonds\u003c/a\u003e are the material, the process, the equipment, among others. Let\u0026rsquo;s look at some of these factors in detail.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe seed\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe first thing required to grow \u003ca href=\"https://www.growndiamondcorp.com/blog/why-are-lab-created-diamonds-called-engineered-diamonds/\"\u003eengineered diamonds\u003c/a\u003e is a seed crystal. Seeds are nothing but crushed diamond powder. The seed is made up of carbon and may also contain other chemicals, such as nitrogen. However, its main component is carbon.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe crystal seeds provide a base for the growth of diamonds. The seeds go through two processes for the creation of diamonds \u0026mdash; \u003cstrong\u003eHigh Pressure High Temperature\u003c/strong\u003e (HPHT) and \u003cstrong\u003eChemical Vapor Deposition\u003c/strong\u003e (CVD). Both these processes are different and engage differently with the diamond seed.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe seed either goes through gases or high temperature and pressure that leads to the growth of layers of carbon atoms. The lab diamond keeps growing bigger based on the atomic patterns of the seed crystal.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe growth process\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe two processes used to create lab grown diamonds are HPHT and CVD. Let\u0026rsquo;s go through these processes in detail.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1. HPHT\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\r\n\t\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.growndiamondcorp.com/blog/hpht-lab-grown-diamonds-history-process-and-benefits/\"\u003eHPHT lab diamonds\u003c/a\u003e are created by placing a diamond seed - carbon crystal - in a chamber.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\t\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\r\n\t\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe carbon crystal is then joined by materials, such as graphite and metal particles.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\t\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\r\n\t\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThis combination is then put through intense pressure and high temperatures.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\t\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\r\n\t\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThis process replicates the natural conditions below the Earth\u0026#39;s crust. This process makes the carbon atoms rearrange into a crystal lattice structure, forming a diamond.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\t\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\r\n\t\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThis process is carried out in a controlled laboratory environment, ensuring the production of high-quality lab grown diamonds that are virtually indistinguishable from natural, \u003ca href=\"https://www.growndiamondcorp.com/blog/can-you-easily-distinguish-between-a-mined-and-a-lab-grown-diamond/\"\u003emined diamonds\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\t\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\r\n\t\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eOnce the diamond has grown to the desired size, the chamber is cooled down. This allows the newly grown diamond to solidify.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\t\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2. CVD\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\r\n\t\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eIn the \u003ca href=\"https://www.growndiamondcorp.com/blog/cvd-diamonds-everything-you-need-to-know/\"\u003eCVD process\u003c/a\u003e, a good quality diamond seed is placed in a chamber.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\t\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\r\n\t\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe chamber is heated, and gas is added in the chamber.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\t\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\r\n\t\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eHere, the gas carbon atoms are broken down.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\t\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\r\n\t\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThese atoms combine with the diamond seed and form more crystals, leading to the formation of the lab diamond.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\t\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\r\n\t\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe temperature, pressure, and other aspects are controlled and monitored at all times.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\t\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOn conclusion\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eCreating the best man-made diamonds is science but it is also an art. Lab grown diamonds are created using advanced technology and scientific methods. The industry is continuously experimenting with new methods, technology, and more to expand the field of lab diamonds. If you\u0026rsquo;re looking for \u003ca href=\"https://www.growndiamondcorp.com/blog/types-of-lab-grown-diamonds/\"\u003elab grown diamonds\u003c/a\u003e or to learn more about them, check out \u003ca href=\"https://www.growndiamondcorp.com\"\u003eGrown Diamond Corporation\u003c/a\u003e to know more about these scientific wonders.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFAQs\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuestion: What are lab grown diamonds made of?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnswer: \u003c/strong\u003eEngineered diamonds are made of carbon atoms that go through the same processes that simulate the way diamonds are formed under the Earth\u0026rsquo;s crust. The starting point of growing diamonds is a diamond seed crystal, in other words, this is a particle of a diamond.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuestion: How long does it take for a lab grown diamond to form?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnswer: \u003c/strong\u003eThe process of making diamonds typically takes a few weeks to a few months. The time taken to grow engineered diamonds depends on the size and quality of the diamond.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuestion: Are cultured diamonds considered real diamonds?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnswer: \u003c/strong\u003eYes, \u003ca href=\"https://www.growndiamondcorp.com/\"\u003elab created diamonds\u003c/a\u003e are as real as mined diamonds, as they have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties that naturally-made diamonds have.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuestion: Are engineered diamonds as strong as natural diamonds?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnswer: \u003c/strong\u003eYes, \u003ca href=\"https://www.growndiamondcorp.com/blog/types-of-lab-grown-diamonds/\"\u003elab diamonds\u003c/a\u003e are strong and durable, just like diamonds extracted from the Earth. 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