Introduction
Diamonds are widely known for their beauty and rarity, however not all diamonds are created equal. When diamonds are being formed naturally in the mantle, they commonly contain a variety of impurities and flaws. These impurities and flaws that occur in natural diamonds are what give each diamond its unique characteristics and beauty. This article will discuss the various types of impurities and flaws that can be found in diamonds, as well as their causes and effects.
Ion Implantation
Ion implantation is a process whereby ions, or electrically charged atoms, are inserted into the diamond lattice structure. This is done to improve a diamond’s clarity, color and strength and to reduce the presence of flaws. In particular, ion implantation is used to reduce the presence of enclosed inclusions, or enclosed flaws, which may lead to a diamond being less brilliant or having a cloudy or dull appearance.
Gemological Properties
Besides physical impurities, a diamond’s gemological properties are also affected by the presence of natural flaws and blemishes. These can include clarity, color, cut and symmetry. Clarity is the degree to which a diamond is internally flawless and free of inclusions and blemishes. A diamond’s color is also affected by the type of impurities and flaws it contains. Finally, a diamond’s cut and symmetry can also be affected by impurities, as they can cause the diamond to lose its shape and symmetry over time.
Common Impurities
The most common type of impurity found in diamonds is nitrogen. Nitrogen atoms can be present in minute concentrations and will generally not have any noticeable effect on a diamond’s appearance. Other impurities that may be present in a diamond include iron, silicon, calcium, magnesium and hydrogen. While most of these impurities can affect a diamond’s color and clarity, iron is the most common and potentially damaging type of impurity.
Conclusion
Overall, diamonds contain many types of impurities, ranging from minor blemishes and inclusions to larger flaws. While some of these impurities can be beneficial for a diamond’s beauty, others can significantly reduce a diamond’s quality and value. Therefore, it is important for diamond buyers to be aware of the various types of impurities and flaws that can be found in diamonds in order to ensure they are purchasing a diamond of the best quality.
