Identifying Natural Rough, Raw & Uncut Diamonds

Diamonds are one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world. They are prized for their beauty and rarity, making them highly valuable. When it comes to diamonds, there are various types and qualities to consider, including natural rough, raw, and uncut diamonds. In this article, we will explore how to identify these types of diamonds and understand their unique characteristics.

Natural Rough Diamonds

Natural rough diamonds are exactly what they sound like: diamonds in their natural, unpolished state. These diamonds are found in diamond mines and are typically discovered embedded within rocks or in alluvial deposits. Natural rough diamonds can be identified by their irregular shape, rough surface, and a lack of any cut or polish. They often have a dull appearance and require specialized cutting and polishing techniques to reveal their true brilliance.

Raw Diamonds

Raw diamonds are similar to natural rough diamonds in the sense that they are unpolished and uncut. However, raw diamonds may have undergone some treatment or cleaning to remove dirt and impurities. These diamonds can be identified by their natural shape and texture, which may include facets and crystal faces. Unlike natural rough diamonds, raw diamonds may exhibit some sparkle and luster, giving a glimpse of their true potential once cut and polished.

Uncut Diamonds

Uncut diamonds are diamonds that have been extracted from the earth but have not yet undergone any cutting or shaping. While natural rough and raw diamonds are also uncut, uncut diamonds specifically refer to diamonds that have not been shaped into any particular form. These diamonds can be identified by their unaltered, rough appearance, similar to natural rough and raw diamonds. Uncut diamonds hold the promise of being transformed into magnificent pieces of jewelry, revealing their brilliance once skillfully cut and polished.

Identifying Characteristics

When identifying natural rough, raw, and uncut diamonds, there are several key characteristics to consider:

Shape and Texture: Natural rough and raw diamonds often have an irregular shape, with surfaces that may be rough or textured. Uncut diamonds, on the other hand, can have various shapes and textures, depending on their formation.
Lack of Polish: All three types of diamonds lack the fine polish seen in cut and polished diamonds. This absence of shine is a distinctive trait that sets them apart from their refined counterparts.

How can one tell If a Diamond Is Real?

To determine if a diamond is real, you can consider the following methods:

Consult with a Professional: The most reliable way to determine the authenticity of a diamond is to have it evaluated by a professional gemologist or a reputable jeweler. They have the expertise and specialized equipment to accurately assess the diamond.
Perform a Visual Inspection: Real diamonds often have certain visual characteristics that can help distinguish them from imitations. Look for the following features:
1. Brilliance: Diamonds exhibit exceptional brilliance and sparkle due to their ability to reflect light. If the stone lacks sparkle or appears dull, it may not be a real diamond.
2. Clarity: Real diamonds typically have some internal and external flaws, known as inclusions. These can be observed under magnification. If the stone appears flawless, it may be an indication of a fake or synthetic diamond.
3. Cut: Diamonds are usually cut with precision and expertise to maximize their beauty and light performance. Look for symmetrical and well-proportioned cuts, as poorly cut stones are more likely to be imitation diamonds.
4. Fog Test: Breathe on the diamond and observe how quickly the fog clears. Real diamonds disperse heat instantly and fog should vanish almost immediately. If the fog lingers, it may indicate a fake diamond.
Conduct a Diamond Test: There are several tests you can try at home using common household items. While these tests are not foolproof, they can provide some initial insights.
1. The Water Test: Drop the diamond into a glass of water. Real diamonds have high density and should sink to the bottom. However, this test is not conclusive as some synthetic diamonds may also sink.
2. The Heat Test: Using heat resistance gloves or tweezers, briefly heat the diamond with a lighter or a torch. Real diamonds are highly heat resistant and will not be affected. However, exercise caution when performing this test as it may damage certain gemstones or diamond coatings.
3. The Scratch Test: This test requires a piece of corundum (hardness level 9 on the Mohs scale). Try scratching the diamond with the corundum. If the diamond gets scratched, it is likely not a real diamond. However, keep in mind that this test may damage the diamond, so it is not recommended for valuable or sentimental pieces.