Exploring the beautiful world of rubies, you may find a fascinating option: Lab-grown Rubies.
If you are new to this innovative trend, making a decision can be tricky. You might find yourself asking, "What exactly is a lab-created ruby? Is it a good choice?"
Shifting preferences from natural to lab-grown stones may spark further curiosity.
Here's a complete guide that addresses these questions and more:
What is Lab Created Ruby?
Lab-created rubies, are synthetic version of their natural counterparts. They are crafted under precise laboratory conditions using the same mineral like natural ruby— corundum.
Although they are not mined from the deep earth crust, still synthetic rubies possess identical chemical compositions and physical properties to natural rubies.
Eco-friendly and affordable nature of lab-created rubies makes them a better choice over than their mined counterparts.
So if you are looking for lab grown ruby engagement ring or a lab grown ruby wedding band, it's essential to have all the necessary information. Here is a guide that can assist you with every detail you need to know.
The Very First Question…Are they different from Natural Rubies?
Yes, they are!
Lab created Rubies differ from natural rubies only in their origin, price and nature. They are real gems that are identical in every aspect to their natural counterparts in appeal and every smallest detail. A naked eye can not differentiate a lab grown ruby from its natural twin. To understand more about lab created rubies, check out these pointers.
-
Lab Created Ruby Creation Processes
Lab created rubies are created in laboratories under the supervision of experts using various methods, including the Flux, Hydrothermal, and Flame Fusion processes. These processes differ to same extent, but the gemstone produced are almost similar.
-
In Flux process aluminum oxide powder (which contains traces of chromium) is dissolved in a molten mixture of other compounds.
-
The Hydrothermal process of lab ruby formation requires high temperature and pressure for dissolving aluminum oxide in a water solution.
-
Flame Fusion process of lab ruby formation is all about melting a mixture of aluminum oxide and other compounds in a flame. And then rapidly cooled it to form crystals.
-
-
Lab Created Ruby Formation Time
Formation time is a very crucial factor that differentiates natural and lab grown ruby. Natural process which involves mining and extraction takes millions of years to complete. Change in environmental conditions can affect the formation process of gemstones.
Due to the controlled environment of the lab, scientists can manipulate factors such as temperature, pressure, and chemical composition to produce rubies with specific characteristics and colors. The entire process can take just a few weeks to a few months, depending on the desired size and quality of the rubies being produced.
-
Chemical Composition of Lab Created Ruby
Lab created rubies also belong to corundum family like natural rubies. They are made of mineral corundum (aluminum oxide) with trace amounts of chromium. This chemical composition is responsible for their appealing red color.
The chemical representation of lab-created rubies is Al2O3 with chromium (Cr) impurities. -
Physical Properties of Lab Created Ruby
The physical appearance of lab-grown rubies is identical to naturally occurring ones. A naked eye cannot differentiate between them. Their hardness (9 on the Mohs scale), refractive index, and specific gravity are also similar.
A slight variation in the typical red color can be observed, ranging from pinkish- red to deep red. This difference arises from the varying amounts of chromium present.
-
Lab Created Ruby: Quality and Clarity
Since synthetic rubies are grown in controlled conditions under the supervision of experts, they possess excellent clarity and color.
However, quality can vary to some extent due to factors such as color saturation, clarity, and size. -
Lab Created Ruby: Price
Lab-created rubies are generally more affordable than natural rubies. Their more controlled supply chain and reduced production cost can account for this price difference. The production process for natural rubies is lengthy and involves significant resources and human engagement.
Like natural rubies, lab-created rubies price also depends on different factors like size, color, clarity, and cut.
-
Identification of Your Lab Grown Ruby
The naked eye cannot differentiate between natural and lab-created rubies, but various gemological tests can help to some extent.
Using a magnifying glass can aid in inspecting characteristic growth patterns, while spectroscopy can analyze the chemical composition.
Natural rubies of large sizes are rare and expensive. So if you get considerable sized gemstone at affordable price, then it is obvious that it might be lab grown. -
Lab Created Ruby is Eco-friendly and Sustainable Gemstone
No exploitation of natural resources, and no mining or soil erosion related to lab created gemstones makes them eco-friendly choice.
They are sustainable and don’t have any negative impact on mother nature. They are consistently produced without interrupting the lab surface. -
Maintenance of Lab Created Ruby
Lab created rubies like their mined counterparts require regular cleaning and proper storage to maintain their brilliance for long.
Harsh chemicals, exposure to lights, wear and tear can harm your valuable gemstone, so it’s better to take proper steps for their protection.
Still In Doubt, Whether You Should Buy a Lab Created Ruby or Not, Check This:
Lab Created Rubies are Real Rubies
As discussed above lab created rubies have the same chemical composition and belong to the same family. Trace element Chromium present in the composition is responsible for the deep red color of the gem. Thus they are real gems like natural rubies.
Lab Created Rubies are Valuable
Your lab ruby is a valuable gemstone for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is more durable than its natural counterpart. Next is its uniformly distributed deep rich red color, which is not found in mined rubies. Lastly, they are available in large carat weights, which can not be expected in mined rubies.
Benefits Of Buying Lab Created Rubies
There are a number of benefits of choosing lab created rubies, like:
-
Lab created rubies are eco-friendly and ethical gemstones available at affordable prices.
-
These rubies created in controlled settings have more uniform shape and size, as compared to natural rubies. And are more durable too.
-
Lab created rubies often possess high clarity and quality, as they are mostly flawless.
-
Lab created rubies are consistently produced, you don't have to wait for years to get a desired gemstone for years.
-
Lab-created rubies perform better on the 4Cs of gemstone evaluation.
Wrapping Up:
Lab-created rubies are produced in laboratories under the supervision of experts in identical conditions like natural gemstones. They involve methods like Flux, Hydrothermal, and Flame Fusion processes. The quality and clarity of lab rubies are generally excellent, and they are more affordable and sustainable than mined ones. Although they are visually identical to natural rubies, but gemological tests and factors like clarity and size can help in differentiating them. Their eco-friendly nature, easy availability, and consistent production makes them a popular choice for various jewelry pieces.