Three Nitrogens and a Vacancy Defect: Yellow color in mined diamonds can be caused by the N3 defect. In this configuration, just one nitrogen atom per 100,000 carbon atoms can produce a noticeable yellow color in the crystal. This defect is known as the "C center" and is shown in the accompanying illustration. One way that influences color is when a single nitrogen atom is shared by four carbon tetrahedrons. Nitrogen can exist in the diamond crystal lattice in a number of ways. Nitrogen is the most common impurity that substitutes for carbon and can comprise up to 1% of a diamond on the basis of mass. This will cause those nitrogen-bearing diamonds to have a yellow color. Trace amounts of nitrogen substituting for carbon in the diamond crystal lattice will cause the diamond crystal to selectively absorb blue light and selectively transmit yellow. Nitrogen atoms are very small and have the ability to substitute for the carbon atoms in diamond's crystal structure. When they are composed of pure carbon and are without inclusions or structural defects, they are colorless. The Role of Nitrogen in Yellow Colorĭiamonds are composed of carbon atoms, held tightly together in a crystal lattice by strong covalent bonds. Greenish yellow is the more common secondary color however, orangy yellow is the more desirable and more costly. Greenish yellow and orangy yellow are common modifications of yellow color in diamonds.Īlthough pure yellow is the favorite, many people enjoy the modified colors and are happy to get them at a lower price than a similar-size diamond with a pure yellow color.
However, most yellow diamonds have at least traces of a secondary color. The most desirable color for a yellow diamond is pure yellow. ĪDVERTISEMENT Pure Yellow and Modified Yellow They are not unique to a specific geographic area or a specific mine.
Yellow diamonds are found at many diamond deposits throughout the world. Yellow is the second most common fancy color in diamonds, with brown being the most common. Many people consider them to be the most beautiful yellow gem because of their brightness, fire, and exceptional luster. Yellow diamonds with a rich, pure yellow color are the world's most valuable yellow gemstone. The yellow color is usually caused by small amounts of nitrogen contained within the diamond's crystal structure. Accessed July 6, 2021.Yellow diamonds are diamonds that have an obvious yellow bodycolor when viewed in the "face-up" position.