What the Difference between Lab Created , Synthetic and Simulated Gemstones?

Lab created, Lab grown and synthetic are synonymous terms. To use either of these terms, according to the FTC, the gemstone must be identical to the natural in every way. Chemical Composition, Hardness, and Optically. Below is an excerpt from the FTC guidelines for gemstone sales for your reference.

 "It is unfair or deceptive to use the word ;laboratory-grown, laboratory-created, [manufacturer name]-created, or synthetic with the name of any natural stone to describe any industry product unless such industry product has essentially the same optical, physical, and chemical properties as the stone named."

The key is that Lab Created and Synthetic are identical to the natural. Only difference being it is not from the earth.

No Lab Gemstone is RARE, as the rough can be made anytime.

Below is a list of Lab Gemstones and their correct composition:
Lab Emerald - Beryl(expensive)
Lab Aquamarine - Beryl(expensive)
Lab Alexandrite - Color Change Chysoberyl(expensive)
Lab Ruby - Lab Ruby Stars- Corundum
Lab Sapphire - Lab Sapphire Stars - Corundum
Lab Spinel - Spinel
Lab Diamond - Diamond(same cost as natural diamond and has a slight yellow tint to it)
Lab Amethyst - Quartz
Lab Citrine - Quartz
Lab Ametrine - Quartz
Lab Garnet - Garnet

Common Simulated Gemstones - simulated gemstones don't have the same
properties as the natural gemstones but resemble the natural stone.
Tanzanite - Glass(polysilicate - Terbium(fancy name for glass) ), Cubic Zirconia, Forsterite(expensive)
Aquamarine - Glass, Lab Spinel
Alexandrite - Lab Corundum, Glass
Amethyst - Purple Glass
Citrine - Yellow Glass, CZ
Diamond - Cubic Zirconia, YAG, Mossianite
Emerald - Glass, spinel, diffused topaz, Lab corundum
Garnet - Glass - Lab Corundum
Mexican Opal - Glass, Cubic Zirconia, Lab Corundum
Peridot - Glass - Cubic Zirconia
Blue/Swiss Topaz - Glass , Lab Quartz
Tourmaline - Glass , Lab Corundum ,Lab Spinel

The term Genuine is probably one of the most mis-used terms on ebay. It is supposed to define a Natural Gemstone, but it is used to describe Lab Created in many instances, so be careful. an example( seller states it is a genuine ruby , eye clean and sells them for a dollar.) This is obviously lab created as a natural eye clean ruby would sell for thousands a carat.

When you see gemstones that are not labeled Natural, Lab created or simulated, it is best to assume it is Simulated (usually glass) as both Natural and Lab Created would get a seller more money for the item. Don't let yourself be fooled by the "I have no idea what it is" line. Someone has checked the stone. No one is going to chance selling a $5,000 Ruby for a dollar. I repeat, No one. You might find great deals at a garage sale, but Gemstone sellers on eBay know what the item is.

There is no Lab Tourmaline, Lab Topaz, or Lab Peridot or **Lab Tanzanite in the Market. A lab Created Gemstone of exact composition does Not exist for these Gemstones. If you see any of these advertised as Lab Created, Beware it's not.

**Update to the above Lab Tanzanite: A friend of mine, who manufactures Lab Created Gemstones, has stated to me he has Created a Lab Tanzanite( identical in composition). I have not checked the product, still waiting on my sample. But, if it does exist, you need to take extra care in purchasing a Natural Tanzanite. ie. He stated the cost of this Lab Created Tanzanite is going to be in the $45.00ct range. Know the person you're purchasing from well. Hope this helps.

Regards,

Jamming Gems