INCLUSIONS FREQUENTLY SEEN IN CVD GROWN SYNTHETIC DIAMONDS

Inclusion in a CVD grown diamond

Black inclusions (likely non-diamond carbon) ranging in size from pinpoints to large ‘crystals’ are a common feature in CVD grown diamonds.

 

Inclusion in a CVD grown diamond

Black inclusions (likely non-diamond carbon) ranging in size from pinpoints to large ‘crystals’ are a common feature in CVD grown diamonds.

 

 Inclusion in a CVD grown diamond

A comet-like tail formed as growth continued on after a black inclusion disturbed the structure of this CVD diamond.

 

 Inclusion in a CVD grown diamond

A comet-like tail formed when growth continued after the appearance of a black inclusion disturbed the formation of this CVD diamond.

 

 Inclusion in a CVD grown diamond

Feathers are commonplace in CVD grown diamonds. Their appearance can usually be described as bright, whitish, frosted or thick.

 

 Inclusion in a CVD grown diamond

Feathers are commonplace in CVD grown diamonds. Their appearance can usually be described as bright, whitish, frosted or thick.

 

 Inclusion in a CVD grown diamond

The series of bright white feathers in this CVD diamond are a familiar scene but provide little assistance in the identification of origin.

 

 Inclusion in a CVD grown diamond

A more magnified view of the bright white feathers pictured to the left.

 

Inclusion in a CVD grown diamond 

A cloud of black inclusions arranged in a single plane provides a trace to the layered growth and stop-start cycles of CVD synthesis.

 

 Inclusion in a CVD grown diamond

A planar cloud of small whitish inclusions with ‘tails’ provides a clue to the direction of growth of this CVD diamond. This feature likely developed during the stop-start cycle of CVD growth.

 

 Inclusion in a CVD grown diamond

A single sharp plane of graining is a familiar scene in faintly colored CVD grown diamonds.  Though origin identification cannot be proved solely on planar inclusions and graining, they are distinct remnants of CVDs layered past.

 

 Inclusion in a CVD grown diamond

A single sharp plane of graining is a familiar scene in faintly colored CVD grown diamonds.  Though origin identification cannot be proved solely on planar inclusions and graining, they are distinct remnants of CVDs layered past.

 

 

 

INCLUSIONS FREQUENTLY SEEN IN HPHT GROWN SYNTHETIC DIAMONDS

 Inclusions in HPHT grown diamond

By far, the most frequent characteristic in HPHT grown synthetics are opaque metallic inclusions; a remnant of their origin in molten metal flux.

 

 Inclusions in HPHT grown diamonds

A more magnified view of the metallic inclusions pictured to the left.

 

 Inclusions in HPHT grown diamond

Rod shaped metallic flux inclusions of varying sizes are frequently seen in HPHT grown synthetic diamonds. Flat, tabular, or vaguely triangular shapes are common.

 

 Inclusions in HPHT grown diamond

This 70x+ magnified view illustrates the reflective luster of the metallic flux inclusion. Fiber optic illumination can be useful when examining the opacity and luster of included crystals. 

 

 Inclusions in HPHT grown diamond

Another example of a rod shaped metallic flux inclusion in a HPHT grown synthetic diamond.

 

 Magnetic HPHT grown diamond

When metallic flux inclusions are large enough, the iron and nickel content reveals itself in the form of magnetism. The origin of this 0.01 carat diamond is confirmed by its attraction to a magnet.

 

 Inclusions in HPHT grown diamond

Another example of a flat metallic flux inclusion in a HPHT grown synthetic melee diamond.

 

 Inclusions in HPHT grown diamond

Another example of a flat metallic flux inclusion in a HPHT grown synthetic melee diamond.

 

Inclusions in HPHT grown diamonds

Another example of a rod shaped metallic flux inclusion in a HPHT grown synthetic melee diamond.

 

Inclusions in HPHT grown diamonds

Occasionally black and white dendrite-like inclusions are present in HPHT grown diamonds.

 

Inclusions in HPHT grown diamonds

Occasionally black and white dendrite-like inclusions are present in HPHT grown diamonds.

 

Inclusions in HPHT grown diamonds

Occasionally thin hair-like needles are present in HPHT grown diamonds like in this 0.005 carat.

 

 

 

Natural and Synthetic Diamonds Under Longwave Ultraviolet Light
Natural and Synthetic Diamonds Under Longwave Ultraviolet Light
 

 

Natural and Synthetic Diamonds Under Shortwave Ultraviolet Light
Natural and Synthetic Diamonds Under Shortwave Ultraviolet Light
 

 

 

Natural and Synthetic Diamonds Phosphorescence After Exposure to Shortwave Ultraviolet Light
Natural and Synthetic Diamonds Phosphorescence After Exposure to Shortwave Ultraviolet Light