Diamond type

Diamond type is a method of scientifically classifying diamonds by the level and type of their chemical impurities. Diamonds are separated into four types: Type Ia, Type Ib, Type IIa, and Type IIb. The impurities measured are at the atomic level within the crystal lattice of carbon atoms and so, unlike inclusions, require an infrared spectrometer to detect.[1]

Different diamond types react differently to diamond enhancement techniques. Different types can coexist within a single stone; natural diamonds are often mixes of Type Ia and Ib, which can be determined by their infrared absorption spectrum.[2]

Not restricted to type are green diamonds, whose color is derived from exposure to varying quantities of ionizing radiation.[1]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Walker, J. (1979). "Optical absorption and luminescence in diamond". Reports on Progress in Physics 42: 1605–1659. doi:10.1088/0034-4885/42/10/001. 
  2. ^ "Optical Properties of Diamonds". Allaboutgemstones.com. http://www.allaboutgemstones.com/diamond_optical-properties.html. Retrieved 2010-03-19. 
  3. ^ Sa, E. S. De (1977). "Uniaxial Stress Studies of the 2.498 eV (H4), 2.417 eV and 2.536 eV Vibronic Bands in Diamond". Proc. Roy. Soc. A 357: 231. doi:10.1098/rspa.1977.0165. 
  4. ^ "Gemworld International, Inc.: Archive News". Gemguide.com. http://www.gemguide.com/news/archives1.htm. Retrieved 2010-03-19. 
  5. ^ a b Iakoubovskii, K (2002). "Optical characterization of natural Argyle diamonds". Diamond and Related Materials 11: 125. doi:10.1016/S0925-9635(01)00533-7. 
  6. ^ "Diamond - Molecule of the Month". Bris.ac.uk. http://www.bris.ac.uk/Depts/Chemistry/MOTM/diamond/diamond.htm. Retrieved 2010-03-19. 
  7. ^ Collins, A. T. et al. (2005). "High-temperature annealing of optical centers in type-I diamond". J. Appl. Phys. 97: 083517. doi:10.1063/1.1866501.