Editor’s Note
This article explores the diverse classifications of diamonds, moving beyond the common focus on carat or cut to examine their distinct types. It serves as a primer for understanding the inherent variations in these precious stones.
Diamonds are not all the same; there are many different types. While you might not have paid attention to this when buying diamonds, diamonds indeed come in various types. In this article, we will tell you about the different types of diamonds.
The biggest difference in diamonds is whether they are natural or lab-created. Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth over billions of years under pressure and heat, resulting in natural impurities like nitrogen and boron, which affect their color and brilliance. On the other hand, lab-grown diamonds are produced using HPHT and CVD technologies. These diamonds possess the same chemical and physical properties as real diamonds but are slightly less expensive.
The type of diamond depends on several factors, such as which element is trapped inside during its formation, which determines its chemical category.
Type Ia – Type Ia diamonds contain nitrogen in clusters, giving them a yellow or brown color.
Type Ib – Type Ib diamonds contain nitrogen in isolated atomic form, resulting in a deeper yellow color. These are quite rare in natural diamonds, making them highly scarce.
Type IIa – Type IIa diamonds are among the purest and most transparent diamonds in the world. These diamonds contain no impurities and are of very high clarity. It is worth noting that the famous Koh-i-Noor diamond is also of this type.
Type IIb – Type IIb diamonds contain boron, which gives them a blue or gray color. These are also quite rare to find. They contain electrical conductors, which make them special.
The color of a diamond plays a crucial role in determining its price and rarity. Completely colorless diamonds are the most premium and expensive. Diamonds containing nitrogen are yellow or brown, while those containing boron are blue. Additionally, there are pink, red, and green diamonds, which are extremely rare and found in limited quantities. They are considered among the world’s most expensive gemstones.