The Science and Nature of Lab-Created Gemstones
Lab-created gemstones—also referred to as lab-grown, man-made, or synthetic gemstones—are gemstones produced in a controlled laboratory environment rather than being extracted from the earth. These stones are physically, chemically, and optically identical to their earth-mined counterparts, meaning they possess the same atomic structure and crystal habit. Because of these identical properties, professional gemologists identify them as real gemstones.
Gemological Properties and Comparison
The primary distinction between lab-created and natural gemstones is their origin. While they are identical in composition, lab-grown stones often offer higher quality and more consistent colors because the absence of foreign materials found in the earth allows the crystals to grow more predictably.
It is important to distinguish lab-created gemstones from simulants or imitation gemstones. While lab-grown gems are real, simulants (such as colored glass, colored cubic zirconia, or gemstones with foil backing) only imitate the appearance and color of a gemstone without sharing its chemical or physical properties.
Production Methods
Various scientific processes are used to mimic the natural conditions of temperature and pressure required for gemstone formation:
- Flame Fusion (Verneuil Method): Developed by French chemist Prof. A.V.L. Verneuil in the early 1900s, this is the most common method for creating rubies and sapphires. Powdered chemicals are dropped through a high-temperature flame, where they melt and fall onto a rotating pedestal to form a crystal. This process is highly cost-effective and can take only a few hours.
- Flux Fusion: This method involves a growth period of six months to a year. The temperature and chemistry of a chamber are carefully controlled to duplicate the earth's environment, allowing a crystal to grow on a "seed" in its natural shape.
- Hydrothermal Growth: Used primarily for creating emeralds, this process imitates the crystallization of hydrous (water) solutions. Raw materials are enclosed in a metal container of water under high temperature and pressure. The growth depends on a temperature difference between the area where materials dissolve and the site where the crystal grows, a process that can take between 6 to 12 months.
Historical Development and Market Value
The first successful lab-grown gemstones were created in 1877 by chemist Edmond Fremy. The industry expanded significantly after World War II, leading to the creation of larger crystals with fewer imperfections.
From a market perspective, lab-grown gemstones are more affordable and accessible than earth-mined gems. In some cases, they can be up to 90% less expensive, allowing consumers to purchase larger or higher-quality stones within their budget. Additionally, they are considered a more environmentally friendly and ethical alternative as they eliminate the need for mining.
Summary of Lab-Grown Gemstone Characteristics
| Feature | Lab-Created Gemstones | Natural Gemstones | Simulants/Imitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Identical to natural | Natural | Different |
| Physical Properties | Identical to natural | Natural | Different |
| Origin | Laboratory | Earth-mined | Manufactured |
| Cost | More affordable | Generally expensive | Lowest cost |
| Environmental Impact | Lower (no mining) | Higher (mining involved) | Variable |