Lab Grown Diamonds [UPSC Notes]

The Ministry of Finance has prioritized laboratory-grown diamonds (LGD) in the 2023–2024 Union Budget. In this context, it is important to understand what are lab-grown diamonds? Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds, etc. In this article, you can read all about lab-grown diamonds in India, from the UPSC exam perspective.

What are Lab-Grown Diamonds (LGDs)?

Lab-grown diamonds are also known as synthetic diamonds.

• These are synthetic diamonds having identical chemical and physical characteristics to diamonds found in nature.
• Scientists at a General Electric research facility in New York invented the first LGD in 1954.

Use of Lab-Grown Diamonds:

• Due to their superior thermal conductivity, pure synthetic diamonds are employed as heat spreaders for high-power laser diodes and high-power transistors in electronics.
• They are used as cutters and in other tools and machinery that need these characteristics.
• They are often employed in industrial settings because of their strength and hardness.

How are they produced?

• Two basic processes—the High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) approach and the Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) method—are used to produce lab-grown diamonds.
• In the HPHT process, pure graphite carbon and a seed diamond are subjected to temperatures and pressures that are over 1,500 degrees Celsius.
• The seed diamond is heated using the CVD process inside a sealed chamber that is filled with gas rich in carbon.

Lab-grown Diamonds Significance

• The manufacturing of lab-grown diamonds has a lesser environmental impact than natural diamond extraction.
• Open-pit mining produces a lot of waste and causes environmental damage, such as soil erosion and water and air pollution.
• However, the manufacture of lab-grown diamonds can take place in a controlled setting, lowering the possibility of environmental harm.

Diamond Industry in India

A brief about the diamond industry in India is given below.

• The largest diamond exporter in the world is India.
• 19% of all diamond exports worldwide come from India.
• Only diamonds make up 50% of the country’s total gem and jewellery exports.
• A significant location for the production of diamonds is Surat, Gujarat.
• The biggest market for cut and polished diamonds is the United States, closely followed by China.
• The established diamond industry in India, which performs these duties, is not likely to be impacted by the increase in the production of LGDs.
• Every year, the nation exports diamonds to nations like China, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates.

Lab-Grown Diamonds & Indian Economy

• The Indian economy is significantly influenced by the gems and jewellery industry.
• It contributes roughly 7% to GDP and 10%–12% to all exports of goods from the nation.
• With 5 million skilled and semi-skilled workers employed, it is one of the leading sectors in terms of job creation.

Lab-Grown Diamonds in India Challenges 

There are challenges facing lab-grown diamonds in India.

• The availability of scientists to oversee the growth of LGDs.
• The second will be the resistance the market might put up.
• The electricity failure can change the structure of the diamond.

Lab-Grown Diamonds [UPSC Notes]:- Download PDF Here