Which term is used for the process of exposure to radiation that can cause color changes in diamonds?

Which term is used for the process of exposure to radiation that can cause color changes in diamonds?

• A. Kerf
• B. Irradiation
• C. Kaps
• D. KP

Answer: (B)

Radiation exposure can alter a diamond’s color by creating color centers in the crystal lattice. The term for this process is irradiation. By delivering controlled doses of radiation—such as electrons or gamma rays—the diamond gains defects that change which wavelengths of light are absorbed, producing new colors like green or blue (and sometimes yellow). Processed color can be stabilized or fine-tuned with subsequent heat treatment. Other terms don’t describe this phenomenon: kerf is the groove left by a saw, and the others aren’t standard terminology for radiation-induced color changes in diamonds.

Radiation exposure can alter a diamond’s color by creating color centers in the crystal lattice. The term for this process is irradiation. By delivering controlled doses of radiation—such as electrons or gamma rays—the diamond gains defects that change which wavelengths of light are absorbed, producing new colors like green or blue (and sometimes yellow). Processed color can be stabilized or fine-tuned with subsequent heat treatment. Other terms don’t describe this phenomenon: kerf is the groove left by a saw, and the others aren’t standard terminology for radiation-induced color changes in diamonds.