Diamond-making machine can be purchased on Alibaba for $200,000

In an age when you can buy almost anything online, it’s probably no surprise that you can buy a diamond-making machine for $200,000 on Chinese e-commerce site Alibaba. If, like me, you’ve been paying little attention to the diamond industry, the availability of these machines reflects an ongoing trend toward the democratization of diamond production—a process that began decades ago and is still evolving.

The history of lab-grown diamonds goes back at least half a century. According to Harvard graduate student Javid Lakha, writing in a comprehensive article on lab-grown diamonds published in Work in progress Last month, in the 1950s, the first successful synthesis of diamonds in a laboratory took place. Lakha recounts how Howard Tracy Hall, a chemist at General Electric, created the first lab-grown diamonds using a high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) process that mimicked the conditions under which diamonds are formed in nature.

Since then, diamond technology has come a long way. There are now two main methods for creating lab-grown diamonds: HPHT and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Both types of machines are now listed on Alibaba, with prices starting at around $200,000, as noted by engineer John Nagle (who goes by “Animats” on Hacker News). The CVD machine we found is more expensive, at around $450,000.

It is not a simple operation

While the idea of ​​buying a diamond-making machine on Alibaba may seem intriguing, it’s important to remember that operating one isn’t as simple as plugging it in and watching diamonds form. According to Lakha’s article, these machines require significant expertise and additional resources to operate effectively.

For HPHT presses, you need a reliable source of high-quality graphite, metal catalysts such as iron or cobalt, and precise temperature and pressure control systems. CVD machines require a steady supply of methane and hydrogen, as well as the ability to generate and control microwaves or hot filaments. Both methods require diamond seed crystals to start the growth process.

In addition, specialist knowledge is needed to manage growth parameters, safely handle potentially hazardous materials and high-pressure equipment, and process the resulting rough diamonds into useful gemstones or industrial components. The machinery also consumes significant amounts of energy and requires regular maintenance. These factors can make the process subject to certain regulations that are beyond the scope of this text.

In short, while these machines are more accessible than ever, turning them into a productive diamond-making operation would still require a significant investment in equipment, materials, expertise, and safety measures. But hey, a guy can dream, right?