Synthetic Sapphires and Other Gems
By Christine Breen
Synthetic gemstones are almost exact copies of natural gem minerals. Made under laboratory conditions, most are manufactured by melting or dissolving the appropriate mineral ingredients and coloring agents. Then allowing the molten mass or solution to crystallize at strictly controlled pressures and temperatures. The resulting crystals are virtually identical in both composition and crystal structure to the natural gem mineral, so possess similar optical and physical properties.
The earliest gem quality synthetics were the rubies produced in 1902 by the Frenchman Auguste Verneuil using a flame fusion process. Synthetic spinels and sapphires followed soon after. This method proved so cheap and fast that it is still used to produce most synthetic rubies, sapphires, and spinels. Emeralds however are made by other processes and may take nine months to crystallize from a melt. Because of this synthetic emeralds are more expensive but may still be ten times cheaper than good natural loose gemstones. Today as technology develops it is possible to synthesize more and more gemstones including opal, chrysoberyl and diamond. Synthetic gemstones can also be used to imitat other gemstones. For instance aquamarine has long been imitated by blue synthetic spinel.
Because of the differences in their values it is essential to be able to distinguish between natural and synthetic gems. Fortunately some production methods may give rise to distinctive growth structures and inclusions such as the curved growth zones and bubbles visible in many Verneuil type synthetic or the twisted veils of fluid filled tubes in some synthetic emeralds. Many synthetic opals display a fine scaly pattern the lizard skin effect. Flawless gems however pose far greater problems so the gemmologist must resort to complex instruments and techniques such as infrared spectroscopy for the answers.
About The Author
Now that you know about synthetic gems learn more about other gems at Gems Explained.
Gemstones For Sale
Tips On loose aquamarine gemstones
The best quality amber comes from the Baltic region (the coasts of Poland and
the USSR). Some of this amber has been washed to the shores of Norway, Denmark
and England.Amber is thought to help one be joyful and happy. It lightens the
burdens of life.
Buy round Alexandrite loose gemstones today!
Gemstone sizes are usually given in carat weight (ct) or described in millimeters (mm). Some typical gemstone shapes and approximate weights for various sizes and shapes are shown on the opposite page although the exact size varies with the type of gemstone. In addition to weight and/or size, the prices of finer gemstones typically vary depending on the shape, cut, degree of clarity and tone or color of each gemstone.
Buy natural red diamond today!
Charoite is a stone that helps to open your consciousness to higher spiritual
thought. The purple coloring aids in protection on all levels and for the
transformation and transmutation of negativity. The negativity it transforms is
not only from outside sources but also from your own negative thoughts that you
may not even be aware of. Therefore, charoite is an excellent stone to help you
become more conscious in general. As you become more conscious you are able to
step onto your spiritual path and consciously move forward assisting others on
their path.
Buy jewelry loose diamonds today!
More loose aquamarine gemstones Information
Mallette & Assoc - Antiques and Arts Weekly
Thu, 11 Dec 2008 05:07:42 GMT
 Antiques and Arts Weekly | Mallette & Assoc Antiques and Arts Weekly, CT - Two loose 1.93 & 2.00 carat aquamarine stones. Ladies custom made 18k YG beaded style 7 bracelet with (20) 3-4 mm size rubies, 1.5 ozs. ... |
Arts & Leisure - BusinessWorld Online
Sun, 07 Dec 2008 14:19:34 GMT
 BusinessWorld Online | Arts & Leisure BusinessWorld Online, Philippines - Ms. Keth’s designs follow a number of traditional silhouettes, all of which put emphasis on the waist, and even with the loose garments one gets a hint of ... |
used loose diamonds | affordable loose diamonds | loose cultured diamonds
