Microscopic vs. Visual Differences in Lab Grown Diamonds

{"AutoID":181,"DateCreation":"\/Date(1748502506990)\/","DateModified":"\/Date(1748502569733)\/","CreatedBy":null,"ModifiedBy":"Rahul Bohra ","RecordStatus":"A","Title":"Microscopic vs. Visual Differences in Lab Grown Diamonds","SubTitle":null,"Description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eIdentifying faults and inclusions in lab grown diamonds is extremely difficult for a lay man. Even with the use of special equipment, one will need the assistance of a diamond professional to spot inclusions.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eHowever, at times, one may be able to spot visual differences with the naked eye. In this blog, we explore the microscopic and visual differences in lab grown diamonds. If you want to learn how to spot inclusions or the many characteristics of manmade diamonds, this blog is your guide.\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\u003eHow do Diamonds Form?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eReal diamonds are created by two methods. One - natural diamonds that form under the surface of the Earth under natural circumstances. And two - lab grown diamonds that are created in laboratories. Man made diamonds are as real as naturally formed diamonds because they are created by replicating the process that creates natural diamonds.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nLab manufactured diamonds are created using two methods - High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Even though lab grown diamonds and naturally formed diamonds have the same chemical, physical, and visual properties, there are differences that you can spot when you see \u003ca href=\"https://www.growndiamondcorp.com/blog/types-of-lab-grown-diamonds/\"\u003elab made diamonds\u003c/a\u003e with the naked eye and under the microscope.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethods to Identify Diamond Characteristics\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eYou can examine lab diamonds in two ways - visually and microscopically. In visual inspection, you can spot some inclusions, such as metallic or irregular coloration. You may even be able to spot growth patterns that are a result of the layered process of creating \u003ca href=\"https://www.growndiamondcorp.com/blog/why-real-synthetic-diamonds-are-cost-effective/\"\u003esynthetic diamonds\u003c/a\u003e. Apart from that, graining diamonds can be a mark of lab grown diamonds.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eIn laser or microscopic inspection, one may be able to spot differences that are not visible through the naked eye. One can even read the inscription, among other details.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMicroscopic Differences\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCrystal Growth Patterns\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eWhen seen under a microscope, you can see the crystal growth patterns in lab grown diamonds. For instance, when made using the HPHT method, diamonds may display cubic growth patterns. These appear as straight growth lines. Moreover, these \u003ca href=\"https://www.growndiamondcorp.com/lab-grown-diamonds/\"\u003elab grown diamonds\u003c/a\u003e may contain elements such as iron, cobalt, or nickel, which can be seen under the microscope.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eLab made diamonds created using the CVD method show layered growth patterns. These are the different layers that appear during the growth process. These can be seen only under a microscope.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFluorescence\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eWhen lab grown diamonds are exposed to ultraviolet light, it leads to fluorescence. HPHT \u003ca href=\"https://www.growndiamondcorp.com/blog/man-made-diamonds-are-the-future-heres-why/\"\u003eman made diamonds\u003c/a\u003e typically show no or faint fluorescence as they are pure. CVD lab grown diamonds show a distinctive orange-red or green fluorescence.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInclusions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eHPHT lab made diamonds typically display inclusions of flux metals used in the process of creating them in the lab. These appear as dark spots. Moreover, these diamonds also show color zoning under certain lighting. On the other hand, CVD lab created diamonds display inclusions of graphite as well as hydrogen defects.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVisual Differences\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eIn lab grown diamonds, one can sometimes see color distribution differences with naked eyes if the difference is stark. The crystal growth in HPHT \u003ca href=\"https://www.growndiamondcorp.com/blog/tips-to-choose-the-perfect-lab-created-diamonds/\"\u003elab created diamonds\u003c/a\u003e shows distinct color zoning. In \u003ca href=\"https://www.growndiamondcorp.com/blog/cvd-diamonds-everything-you-need-to-know/\"\u003eCVD diamonds\u003c/a\u003e, one can see color banding, which is a result of its layer-by-layer growth process.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClarity\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.growndiamondcorp.com/blog/a-guide-to-4-carat-lab-manufactured-diamonds/\"\u003eLab manufactured diamonds\u003c/a\u003e often display more organized inclusions and growth patterns, for instance, CVD lab grown diamonds often show stitching patterns.\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStrain Patterns\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eLab diamonds also display strain patterns. For example, cross-shaped strain patterns are common and reflect the layer-by-layer growth process of diamonds.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiamond Tester Techniques\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eOne can use various professionally used \u003ca href=\"https://www.growndiamondcorp.com/blog/understanding-lab-grown-diamonds-and-the-use-of-diamond-testers/\"\u003ediamond testers\u003c/a\u003e, screening devices and equipment to identify diamond characteristics. For instance, these devices reveal whether a diamond is synthetic based on UV transparency. Professional diamond laboratories such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), International Gemological Institute (IGI), use various techniques and equipment along with human intelligence to spot diamond characteristics.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGirdle Inscriptions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eLab grown diamonds also have inscriptions on the girdle, which can be seen via the naked eye. However, at times, it may be difficult to read the inscriptions due to its small size. At such times, you may need equipment such as a microscope to read the inscriptions.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSumming up\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe preference for lab grown diamonds is increasing. Customers not only buy them for its lower price and exceptional performance, but they are also investing time and effort in understanding their diamonds. For instance, they want to know the origin lab, the characteristics, the inclusions, etc.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nWhile it is easy to spot details under microscopic equipment and with the help of professionals, spotting details with the naked eye has its limitations. If you\u0026rsquo;re looking to buy lab grown diamonds of good quality, explore the wide range by \u003ca href=\"https://www.growndiamondcorp.com/\"\u003eGrown Diamond Corporation\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","FromDate":null,"ToDate":null,"Image_Url":"microscopic-vs-visual-differences-in-lab-grown-diamonds.png","Image_Alt":null,"KeyWords":null,"MetaDescription":null,"MetaTitle":"Microscopic vs. Visual Differences in Lab Grown Diamonds","CanonicalLink":null,"MetaContent":null,"SeqNo":null,"Slug":"microscopic-vs-visual-differences-in-lab-grown-diamonds","GetTitle":"microscopic-vs-visual-differences-in-lab-grown-diamonds","GetImageUrl":"https://docs.growndiamondcorp.com/blog/microscopic-vs-visual-differences-in-lab-grown-diamonds.png"}