I often see alot of debate and confusion over Synthetic and Simulated Gemstones. There is a rather large difference between the two types of stones.

First off, Synthetic gemstones have all of the same chemical make up as their natural counterparts. They also have most of the same optical properties. Synthetic gemstones also have the same crystal structure as their natural counterparts. Basically, a Synthetic gemstone will be identical to its natural counterpart in every  way possible except it can differ in properties. What this also means is that a Synthetic gemstone will test out on equipment as its natural counterpart in most cases. The only real difference is that Synthetic gemstones are man-made/grown in a Laboratory whereas natural ones are formed in nature.

Now we have Simulants. Simulants are basically any stone that have the same appearance as their natural counterpart but that is where the similarities stop! A simulant can be anything from another natural stone to a piece of plastic or even a different Synthetic gemstone! For example a Diamond Simulant could be a beautiful White Zircon, a stunning CZ, or a simple piece of nicely cut glass.

You have to be very careful when purchasing a Simulant, you need to know what the material is your are buying!! A Synthetic is simple, you are buying a lab grown version of the natural stone and if you purchase one that tests out as something else then you were sold a Simulant instead of a Synthetic!

Now, I will list some common Gemstones and their Simulants so you know what to look for.

Blue Sapphire
•Kyanite is a common simulant for Sapphire
•Synthetic Blue Spinel is another common simulant for Sapphire
•Glass
•Iolite

Ruby
•Synthetic Red Spinel
•Pink Sapphires
•Garnets
•Glass
•Helenite

Emerald
•Chrome Diopside
•Some Green Tourmalines
•Glass
•Helenite

Diamond
•CZ
•Zircon
•Topaz
•Glass
•Spinel, both natural and synthetic
•Goshenite or White Beryl
•Danburite
•Black Spinel is sometimes used as a simulant for Black Diamonds
•Keep in mind that there are very few Synthetic Diamonds on the market right now, most of what you will find for sale are actually Simulants mislabeled as Synthetics.

Tanzanite
•First off you need to be aware that there is NO Synthetic Tanzanite at the time this Guide was written.
•Kyanite
•Glass
•Iolite
•Synthetic Foresterite

Alexandrite
•Typically Lab Grown Color Change Corundum is used as a simulant
•Color shift or Color Change Chrysoberyl is also often mislabeled as Alexandrite even though it is not

Now, here is a list of Synthetic stones that are currently on the market:
•Ruby
•Sapphire
•Spinel
•Alexandrite
•Amethyst
•Ametrine
•Diamonds (still very rare, most being sold are Simulants and not synthetics)
•Opals
•Quartz (Citrine, Clear, and Smoky)

I hope this has helped you gain a better understanding of the differences between Synthetics & Simulants. Please make sure to vote for this guide if it has helped you.