How To Differentiate Between Natural And Synthetic Gemstones

Natural gemstones are usually mined minerals and come at a heavy price. Most of these gemstones are in great demand and due to their natural appearance and color. There are synthetic gemstones as well and are created in labs with certain chemical components. These two types of gemstones look alike but have differences in their prices. The natural gemstone is highly priced than the synthetic gemstone. If you are looking for a low priced gemstone for a casual wear, then synthetic gemstones would be the best choice. They are much like imitation jewelry and you need not worry much about the quality or make of the gemstone.

Most of the laboratory created gemstones is also known as imitation jewelry. It can be treated to enhance its overall appearance and looks much similar to a natural gemstone. They are just plain stones and can be found in abundant varieties. It can be found as plastic, composite or any other synthetic form. Care should be taken to identify these gemstones from the natural gemstones. Even natural gemstones are sometimes treated to give them a finer appearance. It is important to know about these various treatments and would come in handy while buying a gemstone.

1. Treatments administered to gemstones can either change the color or overall appearance of the gemstone. Most of the times, a gemstone that has not be treated comes at a valuable price than the treated ones.

2. Most of the genuine dealers would be able to tell, if the gemstone has been treated or not. In any case, it would be better to consult with your gemstone expert as well. Most of the gemstones that have been treated might require special care with the progress of time.

3. Heating is a common treatment to gemstones to bring about a fine clarity. Most of them consider heating to lighten away the color of the gemstone. It depends upon the original color and some might turn dark, while others give away all together a different color.

4. Treatments such as irradiation are used to enhance the overall color of the gemstones, thus adding more sparkle and glitz to the gemstone.

5. Some dealers use oil or resins to create a smooth surface by impregnation and this is done for inferior grade of gemstones. It reduces flaws thus giving a greater clarity.

6. Filling is another kind of treatment that is done on gemstone to fill away cracks and minute fractures. It is usually carried out on lab treated gemstones and those of second grade quality.

7. Colorless gems can retain color with the treatment of diffusion and this process helps dealers to utilize colorless gemstone as well. They are widely used in imitation jewelry.

8. Dyeing and bleaching are the other types of treatments that are use in labs to add color and uniformity to the gemstones. Most of the gemstones need to be dyed to retain a different hue of color.

These are some of the most common treatments that are done in labs to create synthetic gemstones.

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