How Are Colored Diamonds Formed?

How Are Colored Diamonds Formed?

Do you ever wonder how those gorgeous colored diamonds get their special hues? The process actually occurs naturally in the Earth, though some colored diamonds are so beautiful they look man-made. While traditional, colorless diamonds can be very expensive, rarer colored diamonds are even more valuable.

Red and pink diamonds

These diamonds are considered the rarest diamond color in the world. Formed when extra heat and pressure is applied to the normal process of diamond formation, the intense heat causes the crystal lattice to distort slightly and gives the diamond the ability to absorb green light, which in turn produces a red or pink diamond.

Blue and gray diamonds

The chemical element boron is the secret ingredient to blue and gray diamonds. Bonded to carbon molecules, the boron causes the crystal structure to absorb yellow and green light, resulting in a blue or gray hue.

Green diamonds

Green diamonds form a bit differently than blue or gray, despite being so close in color. Their process is similar to colorless diamond formation, except that at the end of their underground life, just as they are about to reach the surface of the earth, they absorb naturally occurring radiation, which causes the diamond to reflect a green hue.

Orange and yellow diamonds

If boron is the secret ingredient to blue and gray diamonds, then nitrogen is the secret ingredient for orange and yellow diamonds. The nitrogen atoms bond with the crystal structure of the diamond, causing it to absorb blue light, turning the diamond yellow or orange.

Colored or not, diamonds are a great addition to your jewelry collection. So if you’re looking for the perfect piece, then take a look at our selection here at Frank Pollak & Sons. Or if you’re considering selling your diamond jewelry, give us a call or stop in for an evaluation to see what your jewelry is worth.

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