Editor’s Note: Synthetic gemstones have been on the marketplace for over a century. Today, however, technological innovations and economic forces behoove gem buyers to gain a basic understanding of the science of gemstones and gem formation. This…

Editor’s Note: Gemstones can be artificially created in laboratories using any one of several possible crystal growth methods. This five-part series of articles, “Understanding Gem Synthetics, Treatments, and Imitations,” is a chapter from Dr….

Editor’s Note: The earliest laboratory methods for creating synthetic diamond were cost prohibitive. Technological advances, however, have made it easier for synthetic diamond to enter the marketplace. Unfortunately for consumers, proper diamond…

Editor’s Note: Many gemstones can be created in the laboratory and have a longer manufacturing history than diamond. This synthetic gemstone guide covers rubies, sapphires, emeralds, opals, and many more species and explains their fabrication…

Editor’s Note: Identifying gemstone treatments is a challenging task even for an experienced gemologist. Below you’ll find a review of various gemstone manufacturing techniques and treatment methods and the telltale signs they leave behind. This…

Man-made spinel is used extensively. Discovered accidentally when scientists were experimenting to try and produce a flame-fusion blue synthetic sapphire, spinel’s great advantage is that it can be made to reproduce almost all colors except…

Step 2: Advanced Gemology Lesson 10 Back to syllabus Curved Striae Flux fusion grown corundum are the most common synthetics. They come in a variety of colors, are very durable, and exceptionally inexpensive to…

Some people make distinctions between different kinds of synthetic or lab-grown gems. In fact, you may even find different definitions of synthetic material. (Editor’s Note: Look no further than Part 1 of our guide to synthetic gemstones). Two…

These are my own personal opinions and observations, other people may have different ones. In my opinion, most types of man-made rough with a few exceptions, are being cut and sold as finished natural gemstones. As a matter of fact I think…