INCLUSIONS OF METAL SOLVENT AND COLOR OF BORON-BEARING MONOCRYSTALS OF SYNTHETIC DIAMOND

Abstract

Cuboctahedral diamond monocrystals of physical classification type IIb weighing from 0.1 to 2 carats and with minor faces {110}, {311}, and {511} have been synthesized. The crystals are characterized by various hues of blue and dark blue depending on the amount of B in the system. A characteristic feature of these diamonds is a sectorial structure expressed in a nonuniform color distribution. The following types of metallic inclusions in the crystals have been recognized: faceted isometric, lamellar, and extended inclusions; unfaceted irregular and drop-shaped inclusions; and microinclusions. These inclusions are related to the chemical composition of the metal solvent.