Scientists grow diamonds using two primary methods: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).
The HPHT method replicates the natural conditions of the Earth's mantle, where high pressure and temperature cause carbon atoms to crystallize into diamonds.
In contrast, the CVD method involves the deposition of carbon atoms from a gas onto a diamond seed at lower pressures but high temperatures.
How do scientists grow diamonds? 4 Key Methods Explained
1. High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) Method
The HPHT method involves placing a small diamond seed in a capsule within an apparatus capable of generating very high pressures, typically around 5 GPa and temperatures of about 1500°C.
The capsule contains a carbon source, often graphite, and a molten flux of metals like iron, nickel, or cobalt.
This flux helps to lower the temperature and pressure required for diamond growth.
The carbon from the graphite dissolves in the molten metal and migrates towards the cooler diamond seed, where it crystallizes.
This process can take several days to weeks, during which one or several diamond crystals grow.
Once the crystal has reached the desired size, it is removed, cut, and polished.
2. Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) Method
The CVD method involves placing a diamond seed in a sealed chamber filled with a carbon-rich gas, such as methane.
The chamber is heated to temperatures between 700°C and 1300°C, and the pressure is significantly lower than in the HPHT method.
Under these conditions, the gas molecules break down, and the carbon atoms are deposited onto the diamond seed, building up the diamond layer by layer.
This process also takes several weeks, and the growth time directly affects the final size of the diamond.
After growth, the diamond may undergo additional treatments to remove any residual graphite layers and improve its quality.
3. Refinements Since the Mid-20th Century
Both methods have been refined since their initial development in the mid-20th century.
This has allowed for the production of larger, gem-quality diamonds suitable for both industrial and jewelry applications.
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