What are Man Made Gemstones?

Man Made gemstones can be classified as Lab Created Stones and Imitation Stones:

Lab Created / Synthetic Stones

Lab Created Stones are created in the laboratory and have similar chemical composition and physical properties of their natural counterparts.  For example: A Lab Created Ruby does posses similar chemical composition and physical properties of a natural Ruby.
They are the finest stones money can buy. They look better than natural and all stones are fine gem quality. Most of these stones are made of "Lab Spinel" or "Lab Corundum" or “Lab Quartz”. Even experienced gem dealers and professionals are sometimes puzzled to differentiate between the Natural and Lab Created Stone.

Here are some examples  of Lab created stones with their correct composition:

• Lab Created Ruby and Sapphires are made of Lab Corundum (also called Flame fusion method).
• Lab Created Spinels are made of Lab Spinel (also called Flame fusion method).
• Lab Created Alexandrite is made by Czochralski pulling (very expensive method). Beware of sellers selling lab corundum as Czochralski.
• Lab Created Amethyst, Citrine, Ametrine, Emerald, Aquamarine are made by Hydrothermal process.

Imitation or Simulated Stones

Imitation Stone are made in the laboratory and looks like a natural stone but do not and have similar chemical composition and physical properties of their natural counterparts. For example: A imitation or CZ Ruby does look like a Natural Ruby but do not posses similar chemical composition and physical properties of a natural Ruby.
They just imitate the color and look of a Natural Stone. They are the finest stones money can buy. They look better than natural and all stones are fine gem quality. Most of these stones are made of "Lab Spinel" or "Lab Corundum" or "Lab CZ" or “Glass”. Most dealers will sell these stones as "lab created". But actually they should be called as “Cubic Zirconia” or “CZ” or “Glass” or “Imitation Stones”  or  “Simulated Stones”.

Some of the imitation stones are also of good quality and also widely accepted in the gem industry. For example:

• Cubic Zirconia (CZ) has been a popular imitation gem that is used in the gem industry for several decades to simulate a natural diamond. This stones has similar look and sparkle to that of a natural diamond but just cost a fraction to that that of a natural diamond.
• Lab Corundum Alexandrite (the technical name should be called as color change sapphire) does not posses the similar chemical composition and physical properties of natural Alexandrite. But it is widely used to imitate Alexandrite. This Lab corundum alexandrite is also of high quality.
• Any Imitation stones that is made of Lab corundum, Lab Spinel, Hydrothermal and Cubic Zirconia are of fine quality.
• Terbium Gemstones are another type of imitation Gemstones. Terbium is a rare earth element that adds exceptional brilliance to faceted gemstones. Some of our gemstones are formulated with terbium. A terbium stone closely resembles genuine stones like Emerald, Peridot, Rubies, Sapphires, Aquamarine, Tourmaline, etc... Because it is singly refractive this stone boasts consistent color throughout. It also has high refractive index yielding eye catching sparkle and jewelry grade durability for superior productivity and wearability. Terbium Provides Jewelry Creators with affordable gem alternatives in many color shades. It is available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.
• Glass is another type of  imitation that is found in the market. Glass stones are cheap imitations that do not have good sparkle and a good look and is not durable.

Properties of Lab Cubic Zirconia
Chemical Composition        ZrO2
Hardness                            Mohs 8.5
Specific Gravity                  5.65 - 5.95 g/cm3
Refractive Index                 2.088 - 2.176

Properties of Lab Corundum
Chemical Composition        Al2O3
Hardness                            Mohs 9
Specific Gravity                  3.99-3.98 g/cm3
Refractive Index                 1.76 - 1.769

Properties of Lab Spinel
Chemical Composition        MgO.3.5 Al2O3
Hardness                            Mohs 8
Specific Gravity                  3.61 g/cm3
Refractive Index                 1.727

Properties of Lab Hydrothermal
Chemical Composition        SiO2
Hardness                            Mohs 7
Specific Gravity                  2.65 g/cm3
Refractive Index                 1.544 - 1.553

Properties of Lab Terbiun
Chemical Composition        -
Hardness                            Mohs 6
Specific Gravity                  -
Refractive Index                 -

Why buy a Man Made Gemstone?

1. Lab Created stones are the perfect version of the natural stones. Lab created stones usually comes with the best colors and without any flaws or inclusions - that is very rare or highly expensive to be obtained with a natural stone. 
2. The price of a Lab stone is just a fraction of the cost of a natural Stone. It is very easy for a gems collector to have various colors, various sizes and shapes for their collection at a low cost. They cost only a fraction of the natural stones.
3. Large size cubic zirconia stones are very ideal for display. They do have a very good sparkle and look very beautiful when kept in display.  They are ideal for display at home or office.
4. Sine man made gemstones have very good sparkle and flawless, they can make a perfect gift for anyone. These are most beautiful, valuable and durable gifts that you can offer for your loved ones.

If you need any additional information about man Made Gemstones, please feel free to contact us.
We do have several decades of experience in this industry and we can give you explanations both technically and practically.