Heat treatment is a common practice in the gemstone industry. It is used to alter the color, clarity, and even the size of gemstones. Heat treatment can be done to both natural and lab grown diamonds and gemstones.
How does heat treatment work?
Heat treatment works by changing the atomic structure of the gemstone. When a gemstone is heated to a high temperature, the atoms in its crystal structure rearrange themselves. This can change the color of the gemstone, make it clearer, or even make it larger.
Why do people heat treat diamonds and gemstones?
There are a few reasons why people heat treat diamonds and gemstones. One reason is to improve the color of the gemstone. Many gemstones, such as rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, are naturally found in a variety of colors. However, some of these colors are more desirable than others. For example, a deep blue sapphire is more valuable than a light blue sapphire. Heat treatment can be used to darken the color of a gemstone, making it more desirable.
Another reason why people heat treat diamonds and gemstones is to improve the clarity of the gemstone. Many gemstones have inclusions, which are small blemishes or imperfections. Heat treatment can be used to heal these inclusions, making the gemstone clearer.
Finally, heat treatment can be used to increase the size of a gemstone. This is done by heating the gemstone to a high temperature and then rapidly cooling it. This process causes the gemstone to crack and then heal, which can result in a larger gemstone.
Is heat treatment safe?
Heat treatment is generally considered to be a safe practice. However, there are some risks associated with heat treatment. For example, if a gemstone is heated too hot or for too long, it can crack or even shatter. Additionally, heat treatment can sometimes change the color of a gemstone in an undesirable way.
What are the different types of heat treatment?
There are two main types of heat treatment for diamonds and gemstones:
- High pressure, high temperature (HPHT) treatment: This type of heat treatment is used to change the color of diamonds and gemstones. It is done by heating the gemstone to a high temperature (up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit) and high pressure (up to 60,000 psi).
- Radiation treatment: This type of heat treatment is used to improve the clarity of diamonds and gemstones. It is done by exposing the gemstone to radiation, such as gamma rays or electron beams.
Are heat treated diamonds and gemstones less valuable?
The value of a heat treated diamond or gemstone can vary depending on the type of treatment used and the results of the treatment. In general, heat treated diamonds and gemstones are not considered to be less valuable than untreated diamonds and gemstones. However, it is important to disclose to the buyer if a diamond or gemstone has been heat treated.
What about lab grown diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds are diamonds that are created in a laboratory, rather than mined from the earth. Lab grown diamonds can be heat treated in the same way as natural diamonds. However, lab grown diamonds are often heat treated to improve their color and clarity, as they are typically not as clear as natural diamonds.
Conclusion
Heat treatment is a common practice in the gemstone industry. It is used to alter the color, clarity, and even the size of diamonds and gemstones. Heat treatment can be done to both natural and lab grown diamonds and gemstones. It is important to disclose to the buyer if a diamond or gemstone has been heat treated.