SYNTHETIC GEMSTONES

Synthetic Gemstones are made in laboratories or factories, not in rocks. They have virtually the chemical composition and crystal structure as natural gemstones, so their optical and physical properties are very similar. However they can usually be identified by the differences in their inclusions. Many gemstones have been synthesized in the laboratory, but only a few are produced commercially – generally for industries and scientific purposes. Making Synthetic: Man has tried to replicate gemstones for thousands of years, but it was not until the late 1800s than any substantial success was achieved. In 1877 French chemist Edmond Fremy grew the first gem – quality crystals of reasonable size and the around 1900 August Verneuil devised his technique to manufacture ruby. With a few modifications, the Verneuil “flame – fusion” method is still in use today. The powered ingredients are dropped into a furnace and melt as the fall through a flame hotter than 2,000°C (3,630°F), ...