what's the difference between lab grown diamonds and real diamonds
Lab diamonds are made by scientists in a controlled environment, while mined diamonds form naturally, though their extraction isn’t. Many mined diamonds are treated to look better. Even experts can't easily tell them apart without special tools. So, no one will know if your diamond is from above ground or below.
Lab-Grown Diamonds
mined Diamonds
Better Chemistry, Same Brilliance
Chemical Composition
99.99%
Carbon Element
99.95%
Carbon Element
Mohs Hardness
10
Same hardness as mined diamonds
10
Extremely hard
Refractive Index
2.42
Provides exceptional
brilliance and fire
2.42
Provides exceptional
brilliance and fire
Thermal Conductivity
900-2320W /MK
900-2320W /MK
Different Environmental and Ethical Implications
Carbon Emissions (per carat)
18kg CO₂
108.5kg CO₂
Water Usage (per carat)
18 gallons
126 gallons
Land Disturbance
0.07
square feet
100
square feet
Conflict Diamond Risk
0% Conflict
traceable production, no conflict diamonds
1.2% Conflict
risk of conflict diamonds
Labor Rights
No fatalities
200+ miners die
die annually in diamond mining
Environmental Impact
Low carbon emissions, water use, and no land disturbance, minimal ecological impact
High land and water usage, significant ecological impact
Clarity
82%
of lab-grown diamonds are VS1 or higher
35%
of natural diamonds are VS1 or higher
Lab-Grown Diamonds
mined Diamonds
Better Chemistry, Same Brilliance
Chemical Composition
99.99%
Carbon Element
Chemical Composition
99.95%
Carbon Element
Mohs Hardness
10
Same hardness as mined diamonds
Mohs Hardness
10
Extremely hard
Refractive Index
2.42
Provides exceptional
brilliance and fire
Refractive Index
2.42
Provides exceptional
brilliance and fire
Thermal Conductivity
900-2320W /MK
Thermal Conductivity
900-2320W /MK
Different Environmental and Ethical Implications
Carbon Emissions (per carat)
18kg CO₂
Carbon Emissions (per carat)
108.5kg CO₂
Water Usage (per carat)
18 gallons
Water Usage (per carat)
126 gallons
Land Disturbance
0.07
square feet
Land Disturbance
100
square feet
Conflict Diamond Risk
0% Conflict
traceable production, no conflict diamonds
Conflict Diamond Risk
1.2% Conflict
risk of conflict diamonds
Labor Rights
No fatalities
Labor Rights
200+ miners die
die annually in diamond mining
Environmental Impact
Low carbon emissions, water use, and no land disturbance, minimal ecological impact
Environmental Impact
High land and water usage, significant ecological impact
Clarity
82%
of lab-grown diamonds are VS1 or higher
Clarity
35%
of natural diamonds are VS1 or higher
