Both lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds are stones that are made from high-quality carbon. The difference between the two is that lab-grown diamonds are created in a laboratory using high pressure-high temperature (HPHT) or chemical vapor deposition process, which simulates the natural growing process of diamonds on earth. Natural diamonds are mined out of the ground.

Comparison of Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds

1. Chemical composition

The chemical composition of lab-grown diamonds is the same as mined diamonds. In terms of atomic structure, they are the same as mined ones. However, there may be a difference in isotopic composition because different facilities might use different forming elements to create these diamonds.

2. Time it takes to produce

A lab-grown diamond takes around 10 to 15 days on average to be created. The time can vary depending on the process and equipment used, but most processes take about 3 weeks from start to finish including cutting and polishing. A natural diamond takes millions of years to form.

3. Transparency

Both lab-grown and natural diamonds are transparent, but the transparency level depends on the cut. A more transparent cut would mean that light easily passes through the diamond whereas a less transparent cut means that light doesn’t pass through as much. Natural diamonds have better transparency than lab-grown ones with little to no color or air bubbles present in them.

4. Color

Lab-grown diamonds are available in many colors such as yellow, blue, green, pink, etc due to intentional inclusion of elements during the formation process. But natural diamonds are mainly found with yellow tinge, unless they have been treated by HPHT, which produces brownish tinted stones. Natural untreated colorless diamonds are expensive because it’s hard to find them.

5. Price

Lab-grown diamonds are generally cheaper than natural ones because they are made using equipment and technology, which makes them easily accessible. The price also depends on clarity, color, and other factors. You can find lab-grown diamonds to be around 40 to 50% cheaper than natural ones. Though the sale of lab-grown diamonds varies depending on supplier and demand, they can still cost more than double what pieces of similar size go for when mined by the traditional method.

Natural stones are priced based on their rarity, carat weight, and cut quality. The value of high-quality rough stones is usually higher than that of cut-finished goods (lab-grown or mined).

6. Appearance

While lab-grown diamonds appear similar to natural ones, the difference may be seen in cut and clarity grade, which can make a lot of difference in overall appearance. Natural stones will not show any treatment (heating and irradiation) and they have no color added.

In general, mined diamonds tend to have better appearance than those grown in a lab because they have been processed under high pressures with intense heat over millions of years.

7. Hardness

Both lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds have a 10 on Mohs scale of hardness. The Mohs scale of hardness is a scale that measures hardness of minerals. The 10 on Mohs scale is the hardest mineral on the Mohs scale, which makes both lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds very hard.

8. Sustainability

In recent years, lab-grown diamonds have been getting a lot of media coverage due to the fact that they are considered sustainable and eco-friendly. This is because these diamonds can actually help save the planet by reducing the need for mining in order to get raw materials. In addition, gemstone mines have been associated with child labor and human rights violations, so it is always best to check where your diamonds are coming from before you make your purchase.

Natural diamonds also aren’t forever due to degradation caused by radiation, so lab-grown ones would come in handy if that happens. Naturally occurring diamonds have a limited lifespan too because once they degrade due to environmental impact, there is no way anyone can revive them again.

Lab-grown diamonds are not only eco-friendly, but they can also be recycled. This means that once you decide to stop wearing the rock, you can always take it back to the jeweler who will helpfully dispose of them for you in an environmentally friendly way. This helps reduce waste and damage to earth’s resources.

Which Type of Diamond Should You Buy?

Both natural and lab-grown diamonds have their own advantages and disadvantages. Mined diamonds are rare and have a classic look, which is why they are preferred by most people who want to purchase these gems. Lab-grown diamonds can be considerably cheaper than mined ones, but they cannot match the value of those which are naturally formed. Diamonds from mines also come with a unique history where each one has a story behind its origin.

There’s no better or worse here, it all boils down to what you are looking for. Mined diamonds are beautiful but can be expensive, while lab-grown ones are inexpensive—the perfect option if you are on a budget.