Processes and Terms
Diamonds are grown all over the world including United States, EU, Israel, India, and China. The major source of grown diamonds for jewelry is from India. India is a powerhouse in the natural diamond sector and many of the major companies have embraced growing diamonds for jewelry. These are long-standing, advanced, well-funded companies that are currently gravitating towards growing for Tech.
CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition)
A method of growing diamonds by introducing gases into a vacuum chamber and using various energy sources to stimulate chemical reactions that deposit carbon atoms onto a substrate, forming diamond crystals.
HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature)
A method of diamond that mimics the conditions of the Earth’s mantle, where diamonds are naturally formed, by subjecting carbon precursors to high pressure and temperature in a controlled environment.
Seed Crystal
A small piece of diamond used as a starting point for the growth of a larger diamond crystal in both CVD and HPHT processes.
Carbon Source
The material or gas from which carbon atoms are derived for diamond growth. Examples include methane (CH4) and hydrogen (H2) in CVD processes, and graphite or diamond powder in HPHT processes
Substrate
The base material onto which diamond growth occurs in CVD processes. Common substrates include silicon, diamond, and various types of metal.
Diamond Nucleation
The initial stage of diamond growth where carbon atoms begin to form into diamond crystal structures.
Doping
The intentional introduction of impurities into the diamond lattice during growth to modify its properties, such as color or conductivity
Annealing
A heat treatment process used to relieve stress and improve the crystal structure of grown diamonds, enhancing their optical and mechanical properties.
Inclusion
Any material that is trapped inside a diamond during its growth process, which can affect its clarity and appearance.
Flux
A substance used in HPHT processes to dissolve carbon and facilitate its transport to the diamond seed crystal.
Growth Rate
The speed at which a diamond crystal increases in size during the synthesis process, typically measured in micrometers per hour.
Reactor
The apparatus or chamber where diamond synthesis takes place, equipped with the necessary conditions (temperature, pressure, gas composition) for the chosen growth method.
