Jewelry industry is loving the gem revolution, growing sales figure explain it well. Lab grown gemstones are contributing significantly in this evolution.
Use of gemstones in jewelry is quite apparent. So, a good understanding of natural vs lab created gemstone, becomes necessary before investing in them.
Lab-created gemstones, are produced in controlled environments in labs rather than being mined like natural gemstones.
But, is this formation process; the only difference?
Are they similar to natural gemstones in brilliance and value? And why should I choose lab created gemstone?
Lets spill all the secrets that can help you in picking your gem.
Little About Lab grown and Natural Gemstones…
Lab-created gemstones carry properties similar to natural counterparts in their chemical, physical, and optical aspects. They are produced in laboratories, by replicating the conditions similar to those in which natural gemstones are formed.
Natural gemstones, as we know are formed deep beneath the surface of the Earth and can take millions of years to complete. Some gemstones are mined from the Earth's crust, a few are formed in the Earth's mantle, each have their own journey. It's entirely a natural phenomenon that humans cannot interfere with. Under high temperatures and pressures different elements undergo reactions with each other to form these valuable gems.
Natural Vs Lab Created Gemstone: Key Differences You Must Know
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Quality
The quality of natural and lab-created gemstones can vary to some extent due to inclusions or imperfections. Although they have the same chemical composition, natural gems may contain flaws traced in their formation process, which involves digging and other factors.
Conversely, lab-created gems are produced under strict monitoring with controlled conditions, resulting in fewer flaws and color variations. Fewer imperfections contribute to better clarity of the gemstone, enhancing its overall quality.
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Price
Price is most of the times a determining factor that impacts our purchase decision. Natural gemstones are generally more expensive than synthetic ones due to the lesser involvement of resources and human engagement in their production process.
Conversely, natural gemstones carry a premium price tag due to their lengthy formation process and the significant resources involved in mining and extraction.
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Environmental Degradation Issues
Lab grown gemstones are eco-friendly and sustainable choice. Natural gemstone mining process involves a lot anti-environment friendly practices. Like digging earth's crust, soil erosion, emission of hazardous gasses, loss of habitat and species. While no such activities are involved in production of lab-created stones.
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Quality & Durability
The internal resistance to fracturing or hardness of a stone significantly impacts its durability. Inclusions within the natural gemstone are often responsible for cleavages, which can weaken the structure over time. Lab-grown gemstones, on the other hand, tend to have fewer inclusions, resulting in greater durability.
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Formation Process and Time
Several processes are involved in the cultivation of lab-grown gemstones, including High Temperature High Pressure, Chemical Vapor Deposition, Flame Fusion, Hydrothermal Growth, among others. These processes can take anywhere from a few weeks to months to complete. While natural gemstones can take million of years to come on surface.
The formation process and time required explain why natural gemstones are not readily available, contributing to their rarity, whereas lab-grown gems are consistently produced, making them easily accessible.
So if There are so many differences can we Spot them?
Natural and lab created gemstones are twins in appearance having similar chemical composition and offering same appeal. Although lab-created stones typically exhibit fewer inclusions, they can still be challenging to differentiate without the expertise of a trained professional.
Both types of gemstones show similar hardness on the Mohs scale and exhibit comparable brilliance. However, the presence of fewer inclusions in lab-created stones serves as a distinguishing factor to some extent.
To actually understand differences between natural and lab-created gemstones, obtaining a gemstone certification is essential. These certificates provide necessary details such as authenticity, cut, color, carat weight, and origin. By referencing these certifications, one can confidently identify the true nature of a gemstone.
Why You Should Choose Lab Created?
Lab-created gemstones, as previously discussed, match their mined counterparts in every aspect. Opting for them when you get the same sparkle, quality, and durability at an affordable same cost makes sense.
Moreover, they're eco-friendly and sustainable, providing conflict-free alternatives that are consistently available. This means if you're eyeing another piece of jewelry with a similar size and quality gemstone, you won't have to wait for years.
Choosing lab-created gemstones are only environment-friendly choice but caters to everyone’s requirement, making it a positive choice all around.
Wrapping Up:
Gemstones, whether they're made naturally or in a lab, are both valuable. They look the same and are built the same way at the smallest (molecular) level. But they differ in price, quality, and where they come from. Still, both are equally loved. However, lab created gemstones are ethical, and sustainable alternatives to mined stones. So you are making an eco-friendly and affordable choice, if you are opting them.