Fluorescence of Natural and Synthetic Gem Diamond: Mechanism and Applications

Abstract Fluorescence is a property exhibited by all states of matter but rarely is it more impressive than the blue gleam emitted when a gem‐quality diamond is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. Diamond fluorescence and phosphorescence are a product of atomic impurities like nitrogen and boron that can occur in concentrations as low as several parts per billion, yet still impact the body color and luminescence characteristics. Distribution of fluorescence in gem diamond is different between natural and laboratory‐grown crystals and is often changed by treatments aimed at modifying diamond color, making it a valuable gemological identification tool. While diamond is most readily recognized as a gemstone, its value is even greater in the technology sector where single photon emitting defects in diamond are a key component in today's research on quantum computing and semiconductor applications.