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 Lab-Grown Diamonds
mined 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 Lab-Grown Diamonds
mined 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
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Neoshine FAQ

Q:

how to tell lab grown vs natural diamond

A:

To the naked eye, you can’t. Lab grown and mined diamonds look identical and share the same brilliance and sparkle.
 However, professional gemologists use advanced equipment to detect microscopic growth patterns or trace elements that can indicate lab or earth origin. Both types are certified, graded, and equally durable. The main difference? Lab grown diamonds offer better value, sustainability, and peace of mind.

Q:

do lab grown diamonds test as real diamonds

A:

Yes, they do. Lab grown diamonds pass standard diamond testers because they are chemically and physically identical to natural diamonds. They are 100% real diamonds, just created in a lab instead of extracted from the earth.

Q:

are lab grown diamonds as hard as natural diamonds

A:

Yes. Lab grown diamonds are equally as hard as natural diamonds. Both score a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them the hardest known material on Earth. This means lab grown diamonds are just as durable and resistant to scratching, perfect for everyday wear—especially in engagement rings and fine jewelry.

Q:

are lab grown diamonds the same as real diamonds

A:

Absolutely. Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. They have the same chemical composition (pure carbon), crystal structure, brilliance, and hardness as mined diamonds. The only difference is their origin—lab grown diamonds are created in high-tech labs under controlled conditions, offering a more ethical and sustainable alternative to earth-mined diamonds.

Q:

difference between lab grown and real diamonds

A:

To the naked eye, there's no difference. Even professional gemologists need advanced equipment to detect subtle growth markers. That means you get all the brilliance and prestige of a mined diamond—at a more accessible price.