LAB GROWN DIAMONDS VS MINED DIAMONDS

What is the difference between a lab-grown diamond and a mined diamond? The punchline is, not a lot actually. Chemically, physically and optically, they are identical, they’re just created in a different environment.

Diamonds mined from the earth are believed to have formed around 1 to 3 billion years ago, approximately 90 miles below the surface. It was all very intense down there. Carbon dioxide was exposed to extreme temperatures (1093+°C) and extreme pressure, then the diamonds were moved from the core to its crust by a series of volcanic explosions.

Lab grown diamonds however, have been manufactured using conditions that mimic the natural process, so the carbon is still subjected to high temperatures and high pressure but in a controlled environment so there are no unexpected pyrotechnics and explosions involved.

THE DIFFERENCES

Lab grown diamonds are chemically, physically and optically identical to their mined counterparts. They’re not, however, pulled from the shadowy depths of beyond. They’re created in a lab (believe it or not) using cutting-edge technology that replicates the natural growing process.

CONCLUSION

There are always going to be questions and doubts around new ideas. That’s human nature. The more we educate ourselves, however, the more we can understand and trust. The most common misconception about lab grown diamonds is that they are not the same as mined. This is not the case. As we have discussed, they have an identical chemical makeup, but by creating them in a lab they have a significantly improved social and environmental impact. This is a huge and exciting technological advancement that can help break the cycle of unethical mining for good.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

There are always going to be questions and doubts around new ideas. That’s human nature.