Diamond simulant

This article addresses the many imitations of diamond. For a broader discussion of diamonds, see diamond. For other uses of the word diamond, see diamond (disambiguation).

Related Topics:
Diamond - Diamond (disambiguation)

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The high price of gem-grade diamonds has created a large demand for materials with similar gemological characteristics, known as diamond simulants or imitations. Simulants are distinct from synthetic diamond, which unlike simulants have material properties identical to those of natural diamond. Enhanced diamonds are also excluded from this definition. A diamond simulant may be artificial, natural, or in some cases a combination thereof. While their material properties depart markedly from those of diamond, simulants have certain desired characteristics—such as dispersion and hardness—which lend themselves to imitation. Trained gemologists with appropriate equipment are able to distinguish natural and synthetic diamonds from all diamond simulants, primarily by visual inspection.

Related Topics:
Gem - Diamond - Gemological - Synthetic diamond - Material properties - Enhanced diamonds - Dispersion - Hardness

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The most common diamond simulants are high-leaded glass (i.e., rhinestones) and cubic zirconia (CZ), both artificial materials. A number of other artificial materials, such as strontium titanate and synthetic rutile have been developed since the mid 1950s, but these are no longer in common use. Introduced at the end of the 20th century, the artificial product moissanite has gained popularity as a supposedly superior diamond simulant, although its much higher cost and limited production have kept it a relatively minor simulant.

Related Topics:
Leaded glass - Rhinestone - Cubic zirconia - Strontium titanate - Rutile - 1950s - 20th century - Moissanite

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