Synthetic gemstone
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Synthetic gemstone are not imitations of real gems, but the actual formation by artificial means of the real precious stone, so that the product is identical, chemically, physically and optically, with the one found in nature. The terms synthetic, laboratory-created, and man-made are all synonymous. Diamonds, ruby, sapphires, opals, and emeralds have been manufactured in labs, which possess very nearly identical chemical and physical characteristics to the genuine article. Synthetic corundums, including ruby and sapphire, are very common and they cost only a fraction of the natural stones. Smaller synthetic diamonds have been manufactured in large quantities as industrial abrasives for many years. Only recently, larger synthetic diamonds of gemstone quality, especially of the coloured variety, have been manufactured.
