Diamantes cultivados en laboratorio, También conocidos como diamantes sintéticos o cultivados., Se crean mediante un proceso que replica las condiciones en las que se forman los diamantes naturales en el manto de la Tierra.. Los dos métodos principales para producir diamantes cultivados en laboratorio son la alta presión y la alta temperatura. (HPHT) y deposición química de vapor (ECV). Aquí hay una descripción general de cada proceso.:
Alta presión Alta temperatura (HPHT):
Seed: A small diamond seed crystal is placed in a carbon source (usually graphite).
High pressure: The carbon source is subjected to extreme pressures (normalmente 5 a 6 gigapascals (GPa)) and high temperatures (usually around 1,400 a 1,600 grados Celsius).
Formation: The combination of high pressure and high temperature causes the carbon atoms to crystallize and form diamonds around the seed crystal.
Cooling: The newly formed diamond is then slowly cooled to retain its crystal structure.
Deposición de vapor químico (ECV):
Gas mixture: A gas mixture (Generalmente metano e hidrógeno.) is introduced into the vacuum chamber.
Ionization: Ionizing gases using various methods such as microwave energy, hot filaments, or plasma. This produces carbon ions.
Diamond growth: Ionized carbon atoms are deposited on a substrate (a thin slice of diamond or other material), forming a diamond layer.
Formation: Layers are built up over time to form diamond crystals.
Quality Control: This process allows for precise control of a diamond’s characteristics, incluyendo el tamaño, shape and inclusions.
Diamonds produced by HPHT and CVD methods have essentially the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds. Advanced technology and ongoing research make it possible to create high-quality lab-grown diamonds that are virtually indistinguishable from natural diamonds.