We’ve all seen diamonds before. We have walked past them in stores, seen them on rings and jewellery, and probably longed to buy one ourselves at one point or another. But do you know about the different types of diamonds in the market?
There are several classifications of diamond types that are on their chemical and physical properties and not all are created with equal rarity. The knowledge can offer insights into the diamond’s origins and help us get a better understanding of its value.
Types Of Diamonds
- NATURAL DIAMONDS :
Natural diamonds form under high temperatures and high pressure, hundreds of kilometers beneath the surface of the earth. These gems consist of carbon atoms. The atoms are bonded the same way in all directions creating a colorless “rock” with an unbelievable hardness. These rocks are natural diamonds. The diamonds get to the surface with volcano eruptions or are dug up in diamond mines.
- LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS :
Some people incorrectly assume that lab-grown diamonds are not real diamonds. This is not so. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, just like mined diamonds. Consisting of carbon atoms in a lattice crystal structure, they look the same, and they’re just as hard, beautiful,l and sparkly. Only their origin is different. Instead of forming underneath the Earth’s crust a long time ago, they are created in a laboratory today.
- NATURAL COLOURED DIAMONDS :
These are a rarity in the world of diamonds. They occur in a variety of colors, such as purple, blue, red, green, and black. The most common colors are, however, pink and canary yellow.
The Technical Way Of Classifying Diamonds
As a buyer, you need to be aware of the technical information of classification. Wondering why? It’s because the presence of trace elements, even small amounts of them, can impact the stone’s price drastically. They also cause the formation of impurities in the stone.
So what are impurities and how are they formed in a gemstone? In the carbon lattice structure in diamonds, nitrogen or other trace elements often replace carbon atoms. These carbon substitutes move inside the structure and often cluster together. This constitutes chemical impurities, which are not visible to the naked eye. However, they affect the gemstone’s appearance to a considerable extent. So here are the different types of diamonds based on their technical differences.
Type Ia This type of diamond has large clusters of nitrogen in the crystal lattice. As a result, the stones emit a yellowish tint. The nitrogen atom aggregates, especially the ones in groups of three, absorb the blue spectrum wavelength of visible light. Therefore, the light they reflect appears yellow.
Type IIa These are the most valuable diamonds sought by investors and collectors. They are rare and contain negligible or no nitrogen impurities. They form under high pressure for a long period. They have an uneven shape. The lack of impurities makes it reflect light as it is and gives it a spectacular appearance. Almost all of the world’s most popular diamonds fall under this type. The Kohinoor is a famous example.
Type Ib These are less common than the other types of diamonds. In type IIb diamonds, single nitrogen atoms are scattered in the lattice structure instead of clusters. This makes the diamond absorb the blue spectrum wavelength of visible light. And therefore, these types of diamonds have an intense yellow, brown, or orange color.
Type IIb Diamonds classified as type IIb lack nitrogen atoms. Instead, they contain boron as the trace element. The presence of boron makes type IIb diamonds conduct electricity. It also makes them appear a shade of either blue or even bluish-gray as boron absorbsthe red spectrum wavelength of visible light. This type of diamonds are also rare and, therefore, very valuable.
Ready to choose your perfect diamond?
As a buyer, collector, or investor, taking your diamond knowledge to the next level only has advantages. Knowing the different types gives you an upper hand to make informed choices. Being aware of both the physical and the chemical properties underlying their classification will help you invest in the right stones. With the above guide, you should be in a much better position now to choose your perfect diamond. Own your special piece today from R Giri Pai Jewellery and make the shine a forever part of your life.
