Diamonds have captivated hearts and minds for centuries, symbolizing love, luxury, and enduring commitment. But with advancements in technology, the world of diamonds has expanded beyond the traditional mined gems. Today, various alternatives offer the allure of diamonds at different price points and with varying degrees of similarity. This blog post delves into the fascinating world of diamonds, comparing and contrasting four popular types: natural diamonds, lab-grown CVD diamonds, moissanite, and cubic zirconia.

Natural Diamonds: A Gem from the Earth's Depths

Formed over billions of years under immense pressure and heat deep within the Earth's mantle, natural diamonds are a testament to nature's artistry. Composed of pure carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure, these gems possess exceptional hardness, brilliance, and durability. Their journey to the surface through volcanic eruptions or other geological processes adds to their mystique.

Properties of Natural Diamonds

• Hardness: 10 on the Mohs scale, making them the hardest known natural material.
• Thermal Conductivity: The highest of any material, efficiently transferring heat.
• Optical Properties: High refractive index (2.417) and moderate dispersion (0.044), giving them exceptional brilliance and fire.
• Chemical Properties: Inert, meaning they do not react with most corrosive substances.
• Luster: Adamantine luster, the highest possible type of luster for gemstones.
• Clarity: Diamonds are graded based on their clarity, which refers to the presence or absence of inclusions and blemishes within the diamond. Inclusions are internal characteristics, such as gas bubbles, minerals, or fractures, while blemishes are external features, such as scratches or chips.
• Color: Typically colorless to yellow or brown, but can also occur in pink, orange, green, blue, gray, and red.

Anatomy of a Diamond

The brilliance and sparkle of a diamond are greatly influenced by its anatomy, particularly the way its facets are cut and arranged. Here are the key components of a diamond's anatomy

• Table: The largest polished facet located on the top of the diamond.
• Crown: The top part of the diamond, located between the table and the girdle, comprising several types of facets.
• Girdle: The middle portion of a diamond and its widest edge, separating the crown from the pavilion.
• Pavilion: The lower portion of the diamond, extending from the girdle to the culet (the pointed facet at the bottom of the diamond).

Major Varieties of Natural Diamonds

Natural diamonds come in various forms, each with unique characteristics

• Ballas: Spherical, with a radial structure, cryptocrystalline, and opaque black.
• Bort: Poorly formed, cryptocrystalline, shapeless, and translucent.
• Carbonado: Massive, microcrystalline, and opaque black.

Graphite and Silicon Dioxide: Allotropes of Carbon

Diamonds are an allotrope of carbon, meaning they are composed of pure carbon but have a different structural arrangement than other forms of carbon. Graphite and silicon dioxide are other examples of allotropes of carbon.

• Graphite: Unlike the rigid structure of diamonds, graphite has a layered structure where carbon atoms are bonded tightly in sheets but with weaker bonds between the sheets. This gives graphite its slippery texture and makes it an excellent conductor of electricity.
• Silicon Dioxide: This compound, also known as silica, is a hard, high-melting-point material with a giant covalent structure. It is a common component of sand and quartz.

Lab-Grown CVD Diamonds: Diamonds Created by Science

Lab-grown diamonds, also known as synthetic diamonds, are created in a controlled laboratory environment using advanced technology that replicates the natural diamond-growing process. They are chemically, physically, and optically the same as natural diamonds.

CVD Method

One of the primary methods for creating lab-grown diamonds is Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). This process involves placing a diamond seed in a sealed chamber filled with carbon-rich gas and heating it to around 800°C. The gas ionizes, breaking down into pure carbon, which then attaches to the diamond seed, layer by layer, until a fully formed diamond is created.

HPHT Method

Another method for growing lab-grown diamonds is High-Pressure/High-Temperature (HPHT). This method replicates the conditions under which natural diamonds form deep within the Earth^.

Properties of Lab-Grown CVD Diamonds

• Possess the same hardness, thermal conductivity, and brilliance as natural diamonds.
• Often have less desirable traits, like brown tints and internal graining, which may require post-growth treatment.
• Type IIa diamonds, characterized by high purity and transparency in specific parts of the ultraviolet and infrared optical spectrum.
• May contain unique inclusions, such as graphitic inclusions, comet-like formations, and triangular patterns.
• One particular advantage of CVD diamond production is that all crystals in a growth batch have the same color and clarity, making them easier to grade and match for jewelers and consumers.

A Brief History of CVD Diamonds

The first CVD diamonds were produced in the 1950s, but it wasn't until the 1980s that gem-quality CVD diamonds were successfully created. Advancements in technology have led to significant improvements in the quality and size of CVD diamonds, making them a viable alternative to natural diamonds.

Moissanite: The Gem from the Stars

Initially discovered in a meteorite crater in 1893 by scientist Henri Moissan, moissanite is a rare, naturally occurring mineral composed of silicon carbide. Today, most moissanite used in jewelry is lab-created, offering an ethical and environmentally friendly alternative to mined diamonds.

Properties of Moissanite

• Hardness: 9.25 on the Mohs scale, making it the second-hardest gemstone after diamond.
• Brilliance: Higher refractive index (2.65–2.69) than diamond, resulting in greater brilliance and fire.
• Color: Typically colorless, but can also occur in yellow, green, and black.

• Toughness: Highly resistant to breaking and chipping due to its high heat tolerance.
• Dispersion: "Very strong" dispersion (0.104), exceeding that of diamond, resulting in more intense flashes of rainbow-colored light.
• Heat Resistance: Moissanite has superior heat resistance due to its high thermal conductivity, making it suitable for various industrial applications.

Moissanite: An April Birthstone and Aries Zodiac Stone

Moissanite is often used as an alternative April birthstone and is associated with the zodiac sign Aries.

Spiritual Meaning of Moissanite

Moissanite is believed to symbolize inner radiance and untapped potential. It is also said to attract prosperity and good fortune.

Differences

Feature	Natural Diamond	Lab-Grown CVD Diamond	Moissanite	Cubic Zirconia
Origin	Natural	Lab-created	Natural	Synthetic
Composition	Pure carbon	Pure carbon	SiC	ZrO2
Hardness	10	10	9.25	8–8.5
Brilliance	High	High	Very high	High
Fire	Moderate	Moderate	Very high	Moderate
Durability	Extremely durable	Extremely durable	Very durable	Less durable
Thermal Conductivity	Excellent	Excellent	High	Poor
Price	Most expensive	Less expensive	Less expensive	Least expensive

 

Inclusions

Variety of natural inclusions

Unique inclusions

Typically very clear

Typically flawless

 

Price Range: From Affordable to Extravagant

The price of a diamond can vary significantly depending on its type, carat weight, cut, color, and clarity. Here's a general overview of the price ranges for each diamond type

• Natural Diamonds: The most expensive type of diamond. Prices range from a few thousand dollars for a one-carat diamond to hundreds of thousands or even millions for larger, high-quality stones. Diamond prices per carat increase as you jump up to higher weight categories.
• Lab-Grown CVD Diamonds: Significantly less expensive than natural diamonds, with prices typically 30-50% lower. While lab-grown diamonds are more affordable, they may not hold their resale value as well as natural diamonds.
• Moissanite: More affordable than natural diamonds, with prices ranging from a few hundred dollars for smaller stones to a few thousand dollars for larger ones.
• Cubic Zirconia: The most affordable option overall. Prices range from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars per carat.

Which Diamond Type is Right for You?

The choice of diamond ultimately depends on your individual preferences, budget, and priorities.

• For those seeking the prestige and rarity of a naturally formed gem, a natural diamond is the ultimate choice.
• If you prefer an ethical and sustainable option with the same physical and chemical properties as a natural diamond, a lab-grown CVD diamond is an excellent alternative. Lab-grown diamonds offer the added benefit of being conflict-free.
• Moissanite offers exceptional brilliance and fire at a more affordable price point, making it a compelling choice for those who prioritize sparkle.
• Cubic zirconia provides an affordable and visually appealing option for those on a budget or seeking a temporary piece.

Embracing the Diversity of Diamonds

The world of diamonds is no longer limited to mined gems. With lab-grown diamonds, moissanite, and cubic zirconia, consumers have more choices than ever. By understanding the unique properties, similarities, and differences of each diamond type, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your desires and budget. Whether you choose a timeless natural diamond, a sustainable lab-grown gem, a brilliant moissanite, or an affordable cubic zirconia, each type offers its own allure and beauty. Ultimately, the best diamond for you is the one that best reflects your style, values, and budget.