Diamond simulant
Diamond Simulant Properties
- Diamond simulants have gemological characteristics similar to those of a diamond.
- Simulants can be artificial, natural, or a combination of both.
- Simulants possess certain desired characteristics such as dispersion and hardness.
- Trained gemologists can distinguish natural and synthetic diamonds from simulants through visual inspection.
- High-leaded glass and cubic zirconia are the most common diamond simulants.
Differential Properties of Diamond and Simulants
- Simulants have one or more features that differentiate them from diamond.
- Non-destructive testing is preferred for distinguishing diamond from simulants.
- Visual properties are important for differential testing.
- External flaws and poor polish can separate simulants from diamond.
- Hardness tests using glass or scratch plates are not reliable for identification.
Durability and Density
- Diamond is one of the hardest naturally occurring materials known.
- Diamond gemstones are typically free of scratches.
- Simulants must be very hard relative to most gems.
- Simulants can be identified by their external flaws and poor polish.
- Specific gravity or density can be used to identify simulants.
Optics and Color
- Diamonds have high refractive index (RI) and dispersion, which affect brilliance and fire.
- Simulants with low RI and dispersion appear dull, while those with high RI and dispersion look unreal.
- Simulants can be separated based on their RI using reflectivity meters.
- Diamond is isotropic, while most minerals are anisotropic.
- Diamond may fluoresce under longwave ultraviolet light, with blue fluorescence being common.
Color and Fluorescence
- Most colorless diamonds have a tint of yellow or brown, while simulants can be completely colorless.
- Colored diamond simulants imitate fancy diamonds.
- Simulants tend to have uniform properties, while natural diamonds vary.
- Different fluorescence responses among stones in a diamond ring indicate they are likely not diamonds.
- Identical fluorescence among stones suggests they are unlikely to be diamonds.
Diamond simulant Mentions
https://harryandcojewellery.com.au/blogs/news/lab-grown-diamonds-what-you-need-to-knowDiamond simulant Data Sources
Reference | URL |
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Glossary | https://harryandcojewellery.com.au/blogs/glossary/diamond-simulant |
Wikipedia | http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond_simulant |
Wikidata | https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1853946 |
Knowledge Graph | https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=/m/05g93r |