Diamond-Type

Type Ia: Type Ia diamonds are the most common type of diamonds contain nitrogen atoms in clusters, making up about 95-98% of all natural diamonds. Here are some key characteristics:

Nitrogen Clusters: These diamonds contain nitrogen atoms clustered together within the carbon lattice.

Color: The nitrogen clusters cause these diamonds to absorb blue light, which can give them a pale yellow or brown color.

Subtypes: Type Ia diamonds are further divided into IaA and IaB:

IaA: Nitrogen atoms are in pairs and do not affect the diamond’s color.

IaB: Nitrogen atoms are in larger aggregates, which can impart a yellow to brown tint.

Type Ib: Type Ib diamonds are quite rare, making up about 0.1% of all natural diamonds. Here are some key characteristics:

Nitrogen Atoms: These diamonds contain nitrogen atoms that are dispersed throughout the crystal lattice in isolated sites, rather than in clusters.

Color: The dispersed nitrogen causes these diamonds to absorb green and blue light, resulting in a more intense or darker yellow or brown color compared to Type Ia diamonds.

Rarity: Due to their unique nitrogen distribution, Type Ib diamonds are less common and often exhibit a more vivid color, such as the rare canary yellow diamonds.

Type IIa: Type IIa diamonds are among the rarest and most chemically pure diamonds. Here are some key characteristics:

Purity: These diamonds contain no measurable nitrogen or boron impurities, making them the purest form of diamond.

Color: They are often colorless or near-colorless, but can also appear in shades of gray, light brown, light yellow, or light pink.

Thermal Conductivity: Type IIa diamonds have the highest thermal conductivity among all diamond types.

Rarity: They make up about 1-2% of all natural diamonds.

Type IIb: These diamonds are known to conduct electricity. The trace element boron is responsible for most diamonds that are blue or grayish blue in color.

Type IIb diamonds are a rare and unique category of diamonds. Here are some key characteristics:

Boron Content: Unlike other diamonds, Type IIb diamonds contain boron, which gives them their distinctive blue or gray color.

Electrical Conductivity: The presence of boron also makes these diamonds electrically conductive.

Rarity: They are extremely rare, making up only about 0.1% of all natural diamonds.

Color: These diamonds can appear blue, gray, or nearly colorless.