# Why can't we make diamonds in a lab?? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 9, 2003, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-we-make-diamonds-in-a-lab/180606 "2003-06-09T05:52:11Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![InLikeFlynn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/f19dbf/32.png) [@InLikeFlynn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/InLikeFlynn)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2003, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-we-make-diamonds-in-a-lab/180606/1 "2003-06-09T05:52:11Z")
I just don’t get it. What does time do to atoms that pressure by it’s self can’t do?? Unless my understanding is all wrong (and it must be), precious stones are created under specific conditions, while under great pressure, when great heat is applied, over great periods of **time**. I don’t understand how\*\* time\*\* can be an ingredient in this recipe! What does **“Time”** it’s self contribute to the process? It seems to me that if we could duplicate the correct environment in a lab, materials like diamonds and the like would create themselves. This _obviously_ isn’t the case but, why not? Are we talking about pressures or heat that can’t be duplicated in a lab? With our technology I find those factors not being very hard to reproduce. Does it actually take eons for electrons to slow down to the point of chemical change? What gives?? What the hell am I missing here??? :smack: ---
**Author:** ![pizzabrat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e9c0ed/32.png) [@pizzabrat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pizzabrat)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2003, 5:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-we-make-diamonds-in-a-lab/180606/2 "2003-06-09T05:58:24Z")
The fact that they can make diamonds in a lab. ---
**Author:** ![Mr\_Sherbet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ad7895/32.png) [@Mr\_Sherbet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr_Sherbet)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2003, 6:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-we-make-diamonds-in-a-lab/180606/3 "2003-06-09T06:02:35Z")
Now correct me if i am wrong, but arent these diamonds crappy? ---
**Author:** ![Desmostylus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c57346/32.png) [@Desmostylus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Desmostylus)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2003, 6:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-we-make-diamonds-in-a-lab/180606/4 "2003-06-09T06:13:05Z")
The first synthetic diamonds of appreciable size were made in 1913. Gem quality stones were first made in the 1970s. Apparently, synthetic diamonds from Russia are being fed into the gem market. They’re difficult to pick. Their extreme flawlessness is about the only thing that sets them apart from natural diamonds. ---
**Author:** ![Desmostylus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c57346/32.png) [@Desmostylus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Desmostylus)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2003, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-we-make-diamonds-in-a-lab/180606/5 "2003-06-09T06:14:08Z")
And BTW, any reason why this is in GD and not GQ? ---
**Author:** ![tomndebb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b9e5f3/32.png) [@tomndebb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomndebb)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2003, 6:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-we-make-diamonds-in-a-lab/180606/6 "2003-06-09T06:16:57Z")
Depends on what one defines as “crappy.” Diamonds for industrial use (grinding blades, etc.) have been manufactured for over 35 years. (I don’t know the first dates, but it preceded my entry to high school.) However, the _clarity_ required for jewelry had not been achieved on an economical basis until recently. [This site discusses gem quality manufactured diamonds.](http://www.aip.org/tip/INPHFA/vol-8/iss-4/p8.pdf) (Adobe Acrobat required.) [Google cached version.](http://216.239.39.100/search?q=cache:BV79pKiksTwJ:www.aip.org/tip/INPHFA/vol-8/iss-4/p8.pdf+manufactured+diamonds&hl=en&ie=UTF-8) ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2003, 8:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-we-make-diamonds-in-a-lab/180606/7 "2003-06-09T08:14:56Z")
There’s a company that _claims_ to be able to manufacture larg, gem-quality stones from carbon in cremated human remains. ---
**Author:** ![bdgr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a87d85/32.png) [@bdgr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bdgr)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2003, 8:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-we-make-diamonds-in-a-lab/180606/8 "2003-06-09T08:21:30Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Mangetout \* > \*\*There’s a company that _claims_ to be able to manufacture larg, gem-quality stones from carbon in cremated human remains. \*\* Nobody point that out to bush. Theres something he could do with all us pesky unemployed people. ---
**Author:** ![Andy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/aeb1de/32.png) [@Andy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Andy)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2003, 8:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-we-make-diamonds-in-a-lab/180606/9 "2003-06-09T08:21:41Z")
I heard the piece a few months ago about the human remains converted to diamonds, but are you sure they claimed they were gem quality? I think the production of any crystal relies upon slow growth to give visually good quality crystals. Why would diamonds be any different? ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2003, 9:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-we-make-diamonds-in-a-lab/180606/10 "2003-06-09T09:16:12Z")
> [@](#): > > but are you sure they claimed they were gem quality? [Yes](http://www.lifegem.com/secondary/faq.htm) > [@](#): > > The LifeGem techniques create some of the most valuable diamonds in the world, both because of the diamond quality and the memorial it creates. A LifeGem is also rare because they come in colors uncommonly found in nature, including reds, blues, yellows and greens. Our overall quality target is at the VS level.\* > > - Due to the scientific nature of this process, your LifeGem will contain flaws much like natural diamonds. Although they will be stunning to the naked eye, clarity value minimums cannot be stated. But of course, there is the distinct possibility that it is all a scam - and they are just throwing your carbon sample away, selling you an overpriced diamond from some other source - particularly in view of their comment above. ---
**Author:** ![Desmostylus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c57346/32.png) [@Desmostylus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Desmostylus)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2003, 9:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-we-make-diamonds-in-a-lab/180606/11 "2003-06-09T09:27:08Z")
It screams scam. [http://www.lifegem.com/secondary/existing.htm](http://www.lifegem.com/secondary/existing.htm) > [@](#): > > **Creating your LifeGem from existing remains.** > > With our new and advanced process, it is now possible to create a certified, high-quality LifeGem diamond from your previously cremated remains. Although additional steps are necessary, there is no additional expense to you and your family. See, there’s a major problem with this. Ashes are, well, _ash_. Oxides of silicon, calcium, zinc, aluminium, etc. No carbon. ---
**Author:** ![Desmostylus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c57346/32.png) [@Desmostylus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Desmostylus)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2003, 9:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-we-make-diamonds-in-a-lab/180606/12 "2003-06-09T09:30:01Z")
No, wait, I take that back. There may be some metallic carbonates. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2003, 9:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-we-make-diamonds-in-a-lab/180606/13 "2003-06-09T09:46:11Z")
Of course, if you’re just throwing away the provided raw materials and producing the gem by sleight of hand, the carbon content matters very little. ---
**Author:** ![Trjckster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Trjckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trjckster)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2003, 9:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-we-make-diamonds-in-a-lab/180606/14 "2003-06-09T09:51:03Z")
Diamonds are not very rare, only the careful control of supply by the few [diamond cartels](http://www.theatlantic.com/issues/82feb/8202diamond1.htm) combined with advertising has managed to keep up the price and demand. There isn’t a market for non-industrial synthetic gems since they wouldn’t be able to compete with the natural stones. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2003, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-we-make-diamonds-in-a-lab/180606/15 "2003-06-09T14:03:54Z")
The Russians perfected a machine to make gem quality diamonds. For reasons I can’t explain they require a seed diamond to produce a larger gem. The diamond industry spent millions to come up with a way to detect the difference. Man made diamonds fluoresce under a black light so it is possible to tell one from another. Last I heard, the machines were being used in the United States. Trjkster is right, the value of diamonds are kept artificially high by through monopoly. Since I don’t like monopolies that profit off the sweat of the little guy I would not buy (given a choice) a natural diamond . I also found it ironic that the test to determine a man made diamond proves it reflects light better. There are a lot of web sites that discuss these diamonds but I’m including one that discusses colored stones (my preference). [http://www.lucentdiamonds.com/HOT%20OFF%20THE%20PRESS.htm](http://www.lucentdiamonds.com/HOT%20OFF%20THE%20PRESS.htm) ---
**Author:** ![cmkeller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmkeller/32/118_2.png) [@cmkeller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmkeller)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2003, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-we-make-diamonds-in-a-lab/180606/16 "2003-06-09T16:31:09Z")
bdgr: > [@](#): > > Nobody point that out to bush. Theres something he could do with all us pesky unemployed people. Well, I guess _now_ the subject belongs in Great Debates. ---
**Author:** ![rjung](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/45deac/32.png) [@rjung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rjung)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2003, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-we-make-diamonds-in-a-lab/180606/17 "2003-06-09T17:23:00Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Trjckster \* > Diamonds are not very rare, only the careful control of supply by the few [diamond cartels](http://www.theatlantic.com/issues/82feb/8202diamond1.htm) combined with advertising has managed to keep up the price and demand. So if it wasn’t for the cartels, I could pay $50 for 0.3 carat earrings instead of the $500 the store was asking…? ---
**Author:** ![Spoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2003, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-we-make-diamonds-in-a-lab/180606/18 "2003-06-09T17:50:54Z")
**Frontline** did an episode back in 1994 on the **DeBeers** diamond monopoly, in which it was strongly suggested that DeBeers had been actively suppressing the technology (by swooping in and buying off anyone close to perfecting the process of creating gem-quality diamonds.) (Maybe this is why the technology has been largely developed in Russia rather than elsewhere.) Bottom line: yes, the price of diamonds is artificially inflated. ---
**Author:** ![Nate\_the\_Great](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/7ea924/32.png) [@Nate\_the\_Great](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nate_the_Great)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2003, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-we-make-diamonds-in-a-lab/180606/19 "2003-06-09T17:59:48Z")
It is true that artificial diamonds can be created in a lab. If I understand correctly, they are quite beautiful. The fact is, however, they are a whole lot cheaper. When I proposed to my wife, I considered this option. Ultimately, I decided to go with real diamonds because I didn’t want to feel like a cheapskate. Especially since I was buying an engagement ring, not something like a pair of earrings. To answer another question, and I may be wrong in this since I heard about it years ago in an economics class, DeBeers buys all the diamonds it can and stockpiles them to control the price. ---
**Author:** ![dal\_timgar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a88e57/32.png) [@dal\_timgar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dal_timgar)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2003, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-we-make-diamonds-in-a-lab/180606/20 "2003-06-09T18:24:08Z")
I saw a program a few years ago saying General Electric had done this but a deal was cut with De Beeres. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-we-make-diamonds-in-a-lab/180606.md?page=2)