It is this difference in the manner of nitrogen inclusion that also
allows lab-grown diamonds to be spotted via spectroscope. Lab-grown
will show a smooth curve throughout the various frequencies, vs.
natural diamond will exhibit a series of spikes, as the nitrogen
clumps show their presence. It is the even dispersion of the
nitrogen-carbon bonds that allows a lab-grown diamond to be slightly
stronger/tougher than its natural counterpart.
Other factors are also involved regarding 'crystal growth habit', but
for now, the pointing out of the differences in nitrogen distribution
in lab-grown vs. natural would be of interest for those concerned that
lab-grown diamonds could somehow be weaker than natural.
In fact, due to its even nitrogen dispersion, and hence taking
advantage of the C-N bonds in a more optimized fashion, Takara™
Cultured Diamonds result in a diamond that is less brittle
and slightly harder than natural diamonds, hence
a diamond that one might say is "better than [natural] diamond".
References:
Barnard, Amanda
(2000). The Diamond
Formula: Diamond synthesis: A Gemological perspective.
Boston: Butterworth-Heinemann
Nassau, K. (1980)
Gems made by Man
Gemological
Institute of America.
Collins, A.T. (1988)
Diamonds in Modern Technology: Synthesis and Application. In
The Nature of Diamonds (G.E. Harlow,
ed.) Cambridge University Press.
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