HPHT diamond crystal growth is predominantly which shape?

Prepare for the Gemological Institute of America's Graduate Diamonds Exam. Enhance your expertise with comprehensive quizzes and insightful explanations. Be ready to excel!

Multiple Choice

HPHT diamond crystal growth is predominantly which shape?

Explanation:
HPHT growth tends to produce crystals that develop on more than one crystallographic plane, so the resulting habit shows both cube-like and octahedron-like facets. Specifically, growth on the {100} (square) faces and the {111} (triangular) faces occurs with relatively similar vigor under HPHT conditions, leading to a shape that combines these facets—the cuboctahedron. That mix of square and triangular facets is what makes cuboctahedral the most representative form for HPHT-grown diamonds. While pure octahedral or pure cube forms can appear, the HPHT environment commonly yields this hybrid habit, making cuboctahedral the best descriptor.

HPHT growth tends to produce crystals that develop on more than one crystallographic plane, so the resulting habit shows both cube-like and octahedron-like facets. Specifically, growth on the {100} (square) faces and the {111} (triangular) faces occurs with relatively similar vigor under HPHT conditions, leading to a shape that combines these facets—the cuboctahedron. That mix of square and triangular facets is what makes cuboctahedral the most representative form for HPHT-grown diamonds. While pure octahedral or pure cube forms can appear, the HPHT environment commonly yields this hybrid habit, making cuboctahedral the best descriptor.

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