Natural vs Synthetic Gemstones

Natural gemstones are those formed by nature without human involvement, over the years. Gemstones are of two types; Organic and Inorganic. Organic gemstones are produced by living organisms such as Pearl, Amber, Ivory and Coral. Inorganic Gemstones are minerals formed within earth under natural conditions such as Diamonds, Sapphire, Rubies and Emeralds. Most of the gemstones are Inorganic.

Synthetic gemstones sometimes called man-made, lab-made, lab-created, cultivated or cultured gemstones, get their name because they are produced in laboratories. These labs use advanced techniques to recreate in a controlled setting the time, pressure, and temperature on carbon and different elements to produce different types of gemstones. What is the most interesting about synthetic stones is that scientifically, they are chemically identical in properties to the gemstones that are found in the Earth.

Since they have an identical mineral composition, it is difficult for someone without the correct equipment and training to tell a real and a synthetic gemstone apart just by looking. While these differences are invisible to the naked eye, professional laboratories have tests to identify even synthetic diamonds versus natural mined diamonds.

Although it is hard to tell the difference without a microscope between a lab-created gemstone and a natural gemstone, there is one thing you could look for. Synthetic gemstones are more likely to be rich and vivid in color, and are virtually inclusion or blemish-free when you look at them. Almost always, natural gemstones will have some type of inclusion or color differentiation.

Knowing what you are purchasing is important. It is first important to determine if your gemstone is natural or synthetic. Gemstones that are easily created like rubies or sapphires are significantly lower priced than the natural gemstones. A 6mm round natural blue sapphire would cost $650. A lab-grown blue sapphire would cost $6. So, the natural stone is over than 100 times more valuable than the lab-grown one.

As a buyer, you have the right to know whether you are purchasing a natural or a synthesized gemstone. With Prestige Gems, you will never have to worry about a gemstone’s authenticity, as we disclose all information about a gemstone’s origin, treatments and any other relevant information.