Technically, there are several different types of diamonds such as ‘Type Ia’ or ‘Type IIa’. 98% of the earth mined diamonds are ‘Type Ia’. ‘Type IIa’ are much rarer as they are a purer Diamond. Only 2% of earth mined diamonds fall into this superior and most expensive category. (Type IIa earth mined diamonds have only been available to celebrities and royalty due to their rarity and steep price). Lab grown diamonds, are ALL Type IIa. This makes our diamonds whiter, brighter, and stronger than most mined diamonds.

This brings us to the fact that type IIa lab diamonds have another property due to their purity. They are also very electrically inductive, perfect for 21^st century electronics. This property is one of the amazing features of lab grown diamonds. These diamonds are semi-conductors. Thus, a jeweller may incorrectly assume that a lab grown diamond is moissanite, but it just means the diamond is electrically conductive. See diamond testers. Electrical currents also flow through diamonds faster and can also handle much higher voltages than silicon, meaning that diamond computers will be more energy efficient. They are also highly thermally conductive, which means diamond-based devices dissipate heat quickly and easily, foregoing the need for bulky and expensive methods for cooling.

Another interesting fact is around diamond’s thermal conductivity. The reason for the slang term for diamonds being called ‘ice’ is not just because they are clear like ice, it is also because of the diamond’s high thermal conductivity. At typical room temperatures your own body temperature is higher than the room’s – including any large diamonds you may just happen to have lying around. If you touch any of these diamonds, their high thermal conductivity carries heat away from your skin faster than any other material. Your brain interprets this rapid transfer of heat energy away from your skin as meaning you are touching something very cold – so diamonds at room temperature can feel like ice.