Synthetic diamond

Description

Diamonds were first synthesized in 1955 by Percy Williams Bridgman at General Electric. Synthetic diamonds are made by treating graphite with extreme pressure and temperature. This produces small, inexpensive diamonds that are suitable for industrial use. Synthetic diamonds are used as abrasive coatings on drill, dies and saw blades. Larger diamonds, up to 1 carat, can also be produced synthetically, but at a greater cost than genuine diamonds.

Synonyms and Related Terms

man-made diamond ; diamant synthétique, diamant artificiel (Fr.); diamante sintético (Port.); synthetischer Diamant (Deut.); synthetische diamant (Ned.)

Comparisons

Natural and Simulated Diamonds