Laboratory-Grown Diamonds and Treatments (Chapter 19, Key Terms & Key Concepts) Flashcards
An industrial
process adapted to allow growth of synthetic
diamond from carbon-rich gas in thin layers onto a
silicon or diamond surface.
Chemical vapor deposition (CVD)
Graphite formation around a
diamond’s mineral inclusions and feathers that
results from the extreme conditions of HPHT
treatment.
Graphitization
The length of time required for half of a
group of atoms of a particular type (radioactive) to
decay into another type (non-radioactive).
Half-life
Diamond synthesis method that mimics the
pressure and temperature conditions that lead to
natural diamond formation.
High pressure, high temperature (HPHT)
A clarity treatment that
uses a laser to expand an existing cleavage or
create a new one, allowing the introduction of a
bleaching solution.
Internal laser drilling (ILD)
Exposure of a material to radiation;
causes color change in diamonds.
Irradiation
Using a concentrated beam of laser
light to reach a diamond’s dark inclusions and
disguise or eliminate them
Laser drilling
A machine used to accelerate
electrons to high energy along a straight path.
Linear accelerator
Manufactured (synthetic)
diamond with essentially the same physical,
chemical, and optical properties as natural diamond.
Lab-grown diamond
Diamond’s beauty, rarity, and value inspire research into
synthesis and treatment.
Key Concept
Research into diamond synthesis began before 1800, but
producers didn’t succeed until the 1950s.
Key Concept
Lab-grown diamonds are better for many industrial applications
than natural diamonds.
Key Concept
The use of lab-grown diamonds in jewelry is limited by high
production costs.
Key Concept
Most HPHT synthetic diamonds are yellow or brown because
they contain nitrogen impurities.
Key Concept
HPHT synthetic diamonds can be identified by their metallic
flux inclusions, growth structures, and fluorescence.
Key Concept
