An absolutely perfect diamond would theoretically be a stone whose crystal structure is perfectly arranged with only carbon atoms. Only, diamonds of this quality are rarely ever found, if they even exist at all. Instead, diamonds are classified into four different types, according to the “impurities” within the structure of the stone. These impurities, which categorize diamonds into Type I Diamonds and Type II Diamonds, should not be looked at as a negative trait, but rather the cause that makes each diamond so incredibly unique.

These impurities are nothing like imperfections in the stone and cannot be determined with the human eye, even under a microscopic view. The only way to identify the type a stone might be is through an infrared spectrometer that measures the atomic level in the crystal lattice.

According to the chemical build of the stone it will be classified as Type Ia, Type Ib, Type IIa, or Type IIb stone. Interestingly enough, one stone can actually be classified as more than one specific type of diamond, as is the case in most stones in the market today. Tests that are run on the stones in order to determine the type, are administered by organizations such as the GIA when a diamond is sent for certification.

Type I Diamonds

Type I is the most common diamond class in nature. These stones contain the addition of Nitrogen atoms within the crystal structure of the stones.

Type Ia

The diamond class Type Ia is the compound element structure in most colorless stones. The addition of Nitrogen atoms in Type Ia diamonds is always in clusters that appear throughout the stone. Depending on how the clusters in the stone are broken down, the compounded elements can have an effect on the color of the diamond.

Type Ia diamonds are broken down into two sub-divided types: Type IaA and Type IaB.

Type IaA diamonds contain pairs of Nitrogen atoms known as A-aggregates. The color of the diamonds is not affected at all due to the fact that Type IaA stones absorb no visible light.
Type IaB diamonds contain even clustors of four Nirtogen atoms called B-aggregates. Similar to Type IaA diamonds, the color of the diamonds is not affected due to the fact that Type IaB stones absorb no visible light.

Most Type Ia diamonds are actually a combination of Type IaA, Type IaB, and Type N3. Type N3 is groups of three Nitrogen atoms, which actually do absorb visible light. As a result of the build, the color of these stones can contain a yellowish or even brownish tone. In fact, Cape Diamonds (which are the very beginning of the fancy colored diamond scale) are among the Type Ia diamond class. They often contain a blue toned diamond fluorescence.

Fancy Colored Diamond Fluorescence Under Ultraviolet Lighting

Type Ib

The Nitrogen elements within the build of Type Ib diamonds are in singular form as opposed to clusters. Type Ib diamonds are far rarer than Type Ia stones, also only about 0.1% of all natural colored diamonds. They absorb both green and blue lights and often show a deeper, more intense tone of the color present in the stone. The bulk of the fancy colored diamonds out in the market, especially those with a higher intensity, are Type Ib.

Type II Diamonds

Type II diamonds have no Nitrogen “impurities” within the chemical build of the stone. Diamonds in this class are rarer than Type I diamonds and are often both quite larger and harder.

Type IIa

Often referred to as “Golconda” diamonds, after one of the first diamond mines discovered in India that supplied the majority of this class, Type IIa stones are the most desirable by collectors. So, what is a Type 2a diamond? Well, they are known for their rarity and exceptional quality.

As a result of the compounded elements within, Type IIa stones rarely contain internal imperfections and are famous for their color. White stones of this class with a D color grade are often whiter than other D grade quality stones and sometimes even unofficially referred to as “Super D” or “C” graded diamonds. Fancy colored Type IIa stones have very strong Yellow, Brown, Orange, Pink, Purple, and Red coloring.

4.63-carat,Fancy Intense Pink, Pear-shape, VVs2 Clarity

4.63-carat,Fancy Intense Pink, Type IIa, Pear-shape, VVs2 Clarity

4.63ct_FIP_PS_Type2ACert

An example of a Type IIa Diamond Certificate

Needless to say, stones of this type are not common and are a very small percentage of natural diamonds. These stones are cherished by their owners and traded often for investments. The largest compilations of diamonds in this class are from the Argyle mine in Australia and the Golconda mine in India.

Type IIb

Similar to Type IIa diamonds, there is no Nitrogen atoms contained in the structure of these stones. However, the addition of Boron is precisely what makes these stones so unique. The Boron element is known to be the greatest cause of a blue tone within the stone. In fact, colorless stones often look better than their actual color grade and fancies of this class are often found with light blue or gray dominant colors.

0.54 carat, Fancy Intense Blue, Oval

0.54 carat, Fancy Intense Blue, Type IIb, Oval

0.54 Carat TypeIIb Diamond Certificate

An example of a Type IIb Diamond Certificate

Some the most famous diamonds such as the Koh-I-Noor (weighing in at 186 carats) is Type IIa. Below are a few more of the most famous Type II diamonds.

Diamond typing (Credit: GIA)

Wrap-up

To sum things up about various types of diamonds:

Type I diamonds are the most common. They represent 98% of all natural diamonds and have detectable traces of Nitrogen.

Type Ia stones contain clusters of Nitrogen atoms throughout the crystal structure of the stone. They tend to emmit a yellowish tone.

Type Ib diamonds contain Nitrogen atoms as well. Only, they are all singular as opposed to clustered groups. These stones are 0.1% of all diamonds and emit a strong yellow, orange, brown and even green color tone.

Type IIa diamonds are the most valued and collectable items. They contain either very little or no Nitrogen atoms in the crystal structure of the stones. White stones are exceptionally colorless and Fancy Colored diamonds are often found with a brown, purple, or pink tone. They represent only 1% - 2% of all diamonds.

Type IIb diamonds contain elements of Boron within the structure. As a result, they often emit a blue or gray tone. They represent only 0.1% of diamonds.

In short, Type IIa and Type IIb stones are the most unique and collectable items. Although, especially in the case of fancy colored diamonds, since no stones are exactly alike it is important to assess each diamond on its own. One should never assume that a diamond will be perfect because it is graded a specific class or that it is worthless because it is of the more common type stones.

FAQ

Why are Type IIa diamonds considered exceptionally rare and valuable?

Type 2a diamonds are considered exceptionally rare and valuable due to their unique characteristics. They are known for their exceptional purity, with very few nitrogen or boron impurities present in their crystal structure. This results in a high level of transparency and a lack of coloration, making them highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs.

Can lab-grown diamonds be classified as Type IIa?

Yes, lab-grown diamonds can be classified as Type IIa if they exhibit the same crystal structure and purity characteristics as natural Type IIa diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are created under controlled conditions that mimic the natural processes of diamond formation, so they can possess the same properties as natural diamonds, including being Type 2a diamonds.

What methods are used to determine the type of a diamond?

Several methods can be used to determine the type of a diamond, including spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. These techniques analyze the diamond's crystal lattice and the presence of certain impurities or defects to determine its type.

Are there any famous diamonds that are classified as Type IIa?

Yes, there are several famous diamonds that are classified as Type IIa. One of the most well-known is the Koh-i-Noor diamond, which is part of the British Crown Jewels. Other notable examples include the Cullinan I and Cullinan II diamonds, both of which are also part of the British Crown Jewels. These diamonds are renowned for their exceptional clarity and beauty, which is characteristic of Type 2a diamonds.