Natural versus Synthetic Gemstone

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Article: Gemstones Natural vs Synthetic

Author: Debra Hamer

What is a synthetic gemstone? A synthetic gem is created in alaboratory under controlled conditions. The gem is grown from anatural gemstone “seed”. By controlling the environment in whichthe gem is grown, impurities and inclusions can be avoided whichoccur in natural gemstones. The created stones have perfectcolor and clarity which is so highly desired. Most naturalgemstones have imperfections due to uncontrolled growingconditions in nature. Synthetic stones will have the samechemical, physical, and optical properties of their naturalcounterparts without the imperfections.

A good analogy for synthetic gemstone creation is growing roses.Roses grown in a hot house where their growing environment iscontrolled will be closer to perfection than roses that aregrown in your backyard. They're both roses, but the backyardrose will most likely be flawed or imperfect due to disease,insects, and other environmental impacts. Not so with the hothouse rose because of the controlled conditions.

Don't confuse simulant gemstones with synthetic gemstones.Simulants can be made up of any substance, like glass. They aremade to simulate a particular gemstone, but they do not have thesame chemical, physical, and optical properties of the naturalgemstone like the synthetic gemstone. Some examples of simulantsare cubic zirconia, moissanite, and yttrium aluminum garnetwhich are diamond simulants.

The most popular gemstones that synthetics have been created forare emeralds, sapphires, rubies and alexandrites. I'm sure youhave seen jewelry with synthetic stones, also known as “created”gemstones in your local retail jewelry store. They are easier toobtain and less costly than natural gemstones. Synthetics havemade it more affordable for people to own nice jewelry and manyprefer the flawless created stones compared to the naturalstones. You can usually spot a “created” stone because it's justtoo perfect in color and clarity. A natural stone, especially inrubies, sapphires, and emeralds, which is perfect in color andclarity, is scarce and the cost is beyond most people's means.

Should you buy a synthetic gemstone or jewelry with createdstones over the natural gemstone choices? I would recommendgoing with your own personal preference. If you want a piece ofjewelry with a flawless, perfect gem, then go with the syntheticstone. Also, if cost is a deciding factor. As acollector/investor my preference would be for the naturalgemstone. It's value and appreciation factor will be muchgreater, flawed or not.

It's interesting that there are some gemstones man has not beenable to synthesize in a laboratory. One example is the garnetfamily of gems. They have not been able to unlock garnet'ssecrets to create it in a lab.

How do I know if the gemstone is natural, synthetic (created),or a simulant? If you can't tell by your own examination...ask!A reputable dealer or jeweler will be honest about the originsof the stone. If they don't know or won't say, then don't buy!

Another interesting fact about gemstones that is not commonknowledge to the public is that the majority of gems on themarket have been treated to create or enhance their color andclarity. There are many different treatments used today. Heattreatment is the most common and widely used. I have writtenanother article specifically regarding gemstone treatments. Youcan go to Gemstone Treatments to read more on the subject.

As a gemstone collector/investor, as stated before, mypreference is for natural gemstones, but as an adornment injewelry a synthetic gemstone makes for a gorgeous ring, earringsor pendant at an affordable price.

About the author:

Learn and read moreabout gemstones by purchasing Debra's E-book titled “A NewCollector's Gemstone Guide” at www.profitfromhomebiz.com

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