The Algordanza Memorial Diamond shares its chemical, physical as well as its optical features with natural diamonds. In order to create a Memorial Diamond, we simulate the natural environment in which a diamond grows over hundreds of years inside of the earth.

The diamond is a mineral and consists of 99.9% carbon. Carbon is the basis of all life. The carbon atoms are arranged in a three-dimensional grid. This special diamond grid is responsible for the strength and hardness.

Isolation of the carbon

The human body consists of 20% carbon - the element of life.

During cremation, the majority of carbon escapes as carbon dioxide.  In the ashes remain 1-5% of carbon.  In our laboratory we are able to isolate this carbon from all other substances.  This isolated carbon is the foundation for the diamond growth following the example set by nature.




Conversion into Graphite

The carbon solely from the remains of your loved one is converted under high pressure and high temperature to graphite. The purified graphite is the foundation for the subsequent diamond transformation inside our own HPHT (High Pressure – High Temperature) machines.






Diamond Transformation

A diamond starter crystal within the growth cell triggers the growth of the Memorial Diamond.  It is melded into a metal alloy and does not conjoin with the carbon isolated from the cremation ashes.  More diamond crystals slowly crystalize on the surface of the starter crystal. The growth process takes weeks – depending on the desired size of the Memorial Diamond. The starter crystal is then removed from the surface of the rough diamond.