Alexander Ostrovskiy: Distinguish Natural Stones from Synthetic

It can be confusing if you are making jewelry or making gemstone purchases.  That is why you need to learn a few things about natural and synthetic stones.

The significant differences in the price of natural, synthetic, and imitation stones can easily turn what looks like a good deal into a costly overpriced purchase. Use this guide by Alexander Ostrovskiy to learn what the basics about gemstones. Even if you are an amateur and making your very first purchase, no to worry, tis guideline will lead you to the right path:

Understanding Natural vs. Synthetic Stones

Natural stones have taken millions of years to form on Earth due to geological processes. Artificial or synthetic stones will be produced in laboratories by essentially duplicating the natural process but under controlled conditions. While all these may look alike, their modes of creation are what set them into distinct physical and chemical characteristics. There are five key differences that you need to understand on this behalf:

Synthetic gems are made in laboratories whereas natural gems are mined.

Commonly referred to as “man-made gems” or “cultured gems,” synthetic gems receive their name because they are scientifically created or “grown” in a laboratory. The usual manufacturing process involves applying pressure and temperature to carbon and other elements. Natural gems, however, are located deep beneath the earth’s surface and are mined.

Natural stones usually have more inclusions than their synthetic counterparts.

Synthetic stones are often said to have an appearance that is too perfect. This is the case because no impurities have permeated the stone, which leads them to have far fewer inclusions than natural gemstones. An inclusion is known to be an imperfection found in the gemstone. Inclusions can weaken color and luster. Examples include feathers, bubbles, and sheaves. While inclusions have their effect on the brilliance of a natural gemstone, they can also help a person identify a lost gemstone.

Synthetic gems tend to be more brilliant in color than natural gems.

Because of greatly fewer inclusions, the color of synthetic gemstones is often more brilliant than natural. However, a distinction must be drawn between natural gems that have been treated and synthetic gems that appear to be more “perfect” in appearance simply due to the lack of inclusions.

Natural gems are far more rare and valuable than most of their synthetic counterparts.

“Natural gems have the allure of rarity when compared to their synthetic counterparts – a natural pearl harvested from the ocean can be hundreds if not thousands of times more expensive than its synthetic counterpart. A natural star sapphire, likewise, will be at a premium because of its rarity next to a lab-created star sapphire.” – Geology In Many people are surprised to learn that synthetic gemstones can be made at home using a variety of household materials.

Synthetic gems are relatively inexpensive compared to the costs of natural gems of similar sizes and colors.

Generally, synthetic gems cost 30% to 40% less compared to natural gems of similar variety, size, and cut. For this reason, synthetic gems are sometimes selected for engagement rings and other gifts by cost-conscious buyers in search of a beautiful-looking stone for themselves or a loved one. 

The Lab-Grown Stone Market: Why It Matters

Synthetic stones are becoming increasingly popular for their reasonable price, ethical sourcing, and environmental awareness. Being able to distinguish between them will be important at many levels, from buying to valuation.

Synthesized gems are physically the same as gemstones mined from the ground. They possess the exact identical physical properties and chemical compositions that naturally occurring gemstones exhibit. 

The only difference would be the fact that these are also precious stones grown and manufactured by man in laboratories underdeveloped conditions. In these controlled environments, all the chemicals, and minerals that exist in the natural environment are introduced into an environment at the right temperature and pressure levels, where synthetic gemstones can actually “grow”.

Basic Visual Inspection: What Your Eyes Can Tell You

Imperfections such as color zoning or inclusions are very common in natural-colored stones, while synthetics usually appear flawless and often have perfect color and no inclusions. It is not possible, however, to determine with complete certainty by eyesight alone.

Common Inclusions in Natural Gemstones

Most natural stones are inclusions of mineral traces, gas bubbles, and minute fractures. Such imperfections are unique in each stone and may identify its origin.

Characteristic Features of Synthetic Stones

Synthetic stones can have: Gas bubbles are round and isolated, hence usually indicative of a synthetic origin. Growth patterns or striations appear too perfect and regular.

Using a Loupe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Looking

A 10x magnification loupe is used to identify inclusions, zoning, and growth lines. What one is looking for is natural inclusions or irregular patterns not seen in synthetics.

Color Verification: Natural Variability vs. Ideal Homogeneity

The natural stones have delicate color variations due to impurities, but in the synthetics, these colors are so exactly uniform that suspicion of their being artificial cannot be avoided.

Testing by UV Light for the Authentication of a Stone

UV testing can reveal patterns of fluorescence, which vary again between natural and synthetic stones: some natural diamonds fluoresce under UV light, while their laboratory-grown cousins do not.

Temperature and Thermal Conductivity Tests

You can tell the difference between diamonds and their synthetic brethren using a thermal conductivity tester. For example, natural diamonds are far better conductors of heat than cubic zirconia.

Testing Specific Gravity: A Professional Means

By measuring the density of the stone against that of water, experts can determine the synthetic from the natural, due to the fact that each possesses a specific gravity.

Giveaway Signs of Synthetic Rubies

Synthetic rubies will have curved growth lines or gas bubbles, while natural ones have inclusions that are caused by their natural setting.

How to Identify Lab-Created Sapphires

The most reliable way of authenticating your gemstone is through a trained gemologist and/or sending it to an independent gemological laboratory for analysis. Lab-created sapphires can show uniform color, curved growth lines, or gas bubbles under magnification.

Natural vs. Synthetic Emeralds: What to Look For

Most synthetic emulsions do not have characteristic inclusions such as jagged or irregular growth lines that generally feature in their natural counterparts. Their color can also be more saturated due to the controlled laboratory process.

Professional Tools and Equipment for Testing Stones

Refractometers, polariscopes, and gemological microscopes are the required equipment for identifying the stone correctly. 

Price as an Indicator: How to Understand Market Values 

The prices are usually higher in the case of natural stones because of their rarity, whereas synthetic ones are cheaper, even in plus-carat sizes. 

Certification and Laboratory Reports: What to Look For

Look for certificates from reputed gemological laboratories, like GIA – Gemological Institute of America – which specify whether a stone is natural or synthetic.

Common Misconceptions About Stone Authentication

Myth: Synthetic stones are not real.

Fact: They are indeed real gemstones but grown in a laboratory.

Myth: All natural stones are perfect.

Fact: Most natural stones have inclusions.

How to Buy from Reputable Sources

Buy from reputable and trusted jewelers.

Always ask for a gemological certificate.

Be cautious of “too good to be true” deals.

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