Lab-grown diamonds have an atomic makeup that classifies them as "Type IIa" diamonds - a highly sought after diamond type.
What is a Type IIa diamond you say? We're glad you asked.
When most people distinguish between diamonds, they think of the 4Cs of diamonds. However, whilst those are the diamond grading attributes, diamonds can be scientifically classified based on their colour and physical makeup. Diamonds can be split in Type I and Type II which are further sub-categorised into Type Ia, Type Ib, Type IIa and Type IIb.
Aren't diamonds just carbon you ask? Well - that is where diamond types come in.
Diamonds, whilst by definition should be just pure carbon, in truth they often contain nitrogen impurities which replace some of the carbon attoms within the crystal lattice.
In Type 1 diamonds, the presence of nitrogen clusters may provide a yellowish hue as a result of the absorption of blue light. Type 1a diamonds make up 95% of the earth's diamonds. Type 1b diamonds also contain nitrogen, however, as atoms are more dispersed throughout the crystal.
Type II diamonds, on the other hand, have no measurable nitrogen impurities. They only make up 1-2% of all diamonds within the earth. Type IIb diamonds have boron impurities which lead to the diamonds often having a light blue or grey colour.
Type IIa diamonds are almost or entirely devoid of impurities and, as a result, are nearly colourless. This is because of the way the lattice is composed to allow light to pass through it (as opposed to absorbing short waves of ultraviolent light wavelengths).
Too much info? No worries, here's a summary:
Diamond Type | Impurities |
Type 1a | Nitrogen clusters in the diamond lattice |
Type 1b | Nitrogen atoms are more dispersed in the diamond lattice |
Type IIa | Almost devoid of impurities |
Type IIb | No nitrogen impurities but contain boron atoms |
Type IIa natural diamonds
Less than 2% of the world's natural diamonds are pure enough to be classified as Type IIa diamonds and thus are incredibly expensive. For natural Type IIa diamonds, they command a 5-15% premium in price. Some of the world's most famous diamonds are Type IIa diamonds including the "Elizabeth Taylor Diamond" (formerly known as the "Krupp Diamond") - a whopping 33.19 carat Type IIa diamond. It was purchased for USD300,000 in 1986 and was one of Elizabeth Taylor's most cherished diamonds. The diamond was sold in 2011 for USD8.8million.
Type IIa lab-grown diamonds
On the other hand, almost all lab-grown diamonds are classified as Type IIa diamonds. How? Because of the controlled laboratory environment, lab-grown diamonds really are just pure carbon.
Ultimately the perfect diamond is the diamond for you (whatever type that might be!). Let us help you source your perfect diamond. Contact us now for a free quote.
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