May 17, 2023

Are lab diamonds real diamonds?

By Camille Vizzavona
Are lab diamonds real diamonds?
Absolutely. Lab diamonds are authentic diamonds produced in a laboratory rather than being extracted from the earth. Like mined diamonds, they are made up of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal structure and are chemically, physically, and optically identical to diamonds that are mined.
It's important to understand the process of how mined diamonds are formed before discussing how lab-grown diamonds are made. The processes are very similar, with the only difference being that one occurs naturally while the other takes place in a laboratory setting.
Mined diamonds are created in the earth's mantle, approximately 100 miles below the surface, through the combination of high temperatures and pressures. Carbon dioxide is subjected to high heat of over 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit and extreme pressure of around 727,000 pounds per square inch. 
These specific conditions enable carbon atoms to bond together in a crystalline structure.These conditions can occur naturally or be replicated in a laboratory. 
The transformation of carbon-rich materials, like organic matter, into diamonds starts with the rearrangement of carbon atoms into a diamond lattice. This process can take millions of years to finish. As the diamond lattice crystallizes and grows, it rises through the earth's crust, where it may be discovered and mined.
 
It's worth noting that not all diamonds are the same, as some are formed under different conditions and may possess various characteristics, such as color or clarity. Lab-grown diamonds can also be certified by independent organizations such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in the same manner as mined diamonds.