DO LAB GROWN DIAMONDS PASS A DIAMOND TESTER?
Diamonds are one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world, valued for their beauty, durability, and rarity. But with the rise of lab-grown diamonds, questions have emerged about their quality, authenticity, and ability to pass diamond testers. In this blog, we’ll explore whether lab-grown diamonds can pass a diamond tester.
What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds, also known as synthetic diamonds or cultured diamonds, are diamonds that are created in a laboratory setting using advanced technological processes that mimic the natural process of diamond formation. They have the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical properties as natural diamonds, but are created in a matter of weeks or months instead of taking millions of years to form in the earth's crust.
There are two main methods for creating lab-grown diamonds: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). The HPHT method involves subjecting a small diamond seed to high temperatures and pressures, which causes carbon atoms to deposit on the seed and grow a larger diamond. The CVD method involves placing a small diamond seed in a vacuum chamber and introducing a gas mixture containing carbon. The gas is then ionized, breaking the carbon molecules apart and causing them to deposit onto the diamond seed and grow a larger diamond.
Lab-grown diamonds are becoming increasingly popular as a more affordable and sustainable alternative to natural diamonds. They offer the same beauty and durability as natural diamonds, but are typically priced at a lower cost and have a smaller environmental footprint since they do not require mining.
What Is A Diamond Tester?
A diamond tester is a handheld electronic device used to verify whether a gemstone is a diamond or not. It works by measuring thermal conductivity or electrical conductivity, which are unique properties of diamonds.
Diamond testers typically have a small, flat probe that is pressed against the gemstone to be tested. The probe sends a small electric charge through the stone, and then measures how quickly the charge moves through it. Diamonds conduct heat and electricity much faster than other gemstones, so if the tester detects a high level of conductivity, it indicates that the stone is likely a diamond.
It's important to note that diamond testers are not foolproof and can produce false positives or false negatives. For example, some diamond simulants such as moissanite or cubic zirconia can have similar thermal conductivity to diamonds and may mistakenly register as diamonds on a tester. Additionally, some treated or synthetic diamonds may have lower thermal conductivity and may not register as diamonds on a tester.
As a result, diamond testers are best used as a preliminary screening tool to help identify diamonds, but additional testing such as spectroscopy or x-ray diffraction may be needed to confirm the identity of a diamond or diamond simulant.
Can Lab-Grown Diamonds Pass A Diamond Tester?
Yes, lab-grown diamonds can often pass a diamond tester because they have essentially the same chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds. Both natural and lab-grown diamonds are made of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure, which gives them their characteristic hardness and refractive index.
Diamond testers work by measuring thermal conductivity or electrical conductivity, both of which are properties that are common to both natural and lab-grown diamonds. Therefore, a diamond tester cannot distinguish between a natural diamond and a lab-grown diamond.
However, it's important to note that there are some advanced testing methods that can differentiate between natural and lab-grown diamonds, such as spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction. These methods analyze the unique impurities and crystal structures found in natural diamonds and are not present in lab-grown diamonds.
Conclusion
In conclusion, lab-grown diamonds are diamonds that are created in a laboratory setting using advanced technological processes. They have essentially the same chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds, and can often pass a diamond tester because they share the same thermal and electrical conductivity as natural diamonds. However, advanced testing methods such as spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction can differentiate between natural and lab-grown diamonds by analyzing their unique impurities and crystal structures. Overall, lab-grown diamonds are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to natural diamonds due to their affordability and sustainability.
