Due to their beauty, rarity, and perceived value, gemstones have always captivated people. However, as technology has advanced, the market for synthetic gemstones has expanded.

Even though synthetic stones and natural ones may appear to be very similar, there are important differences that can help you tell the two apart. We will go over some of the ways to tell natural gemstones apart from synthetic ones in this article.

Understanding the distinction between synthetic and natural gemstones is essential. Over thousands or even millions of years, natural processes create natural gemstones. They can be mined from the ground and are found in the crust of the earth. Synthetic gemstones, on the other hand, are made in a laboratory with a variety of methods and materials to imitate the natural processes that make gemstones.

INCLUSIONS & IMPERFECTIONS

One of the most reliable ways to differentiate between natural and synthetic gemstones is to look at their internal structure using a jeweler's loupe or a microscope.

Natural gemstones usually have inclusions or imperfections that are visible under magnification, which are the result of the natural processes that created them. These imperfections can range from tiny gas bubbles to cracks and lines that are unique to each stone.

On the other hand, synthetic gemstones are usually flawless or have few or no inclusions because they are created in a controlled environment. However, some synthetic stones may have inclusions that are intentionally added to make them look more natural.

COLORS 

Examining a gemstone's color is another way to tell the difference between natural and synthetic ones.

Natural gemstones can be found in a variety of colors, and the way they were formed gives each stone its own color and pattern.

On the other hand, because they are produced in a controlled environment, synthetic gemstones typically have a more uniform color. Also, some synthetic stones might have colors that aren't in natural gemstones, like bright neon colors that are made by adding chemicals.

HARDNESS

A gemstone's hardness is another important quality that can help distinguish it from synthetic stones. The Mohs scale, which ranges from 1 (the softest) to 10 (the hardest), is used to measure hardness.

The majority of natural gemstones have a hardness of 6 to 10, whereas synthetic stones typically have a lower hardness and may be more susceptible to chipping or scratching. However, this method may not be foolproof because some synthetic stones, like moissanite, have a higher hardness than some natural gemstones, like rubies and sapphires.

AUTHENTICITY

Finally, it's important to consider the source of the gemstone when trying to determine if it's natural or synthetic.

Natural gemstones are often accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from a reputable gemological laboratory, while synthetic stones may not have any certification or have a certification that states that they are synthetic. Additionally, if the price of the gemstone seems too good to be true, it's possible that it's a synthetic stone being sold as a natural one.

CONCLUSION

There are multiple ways of separating among normal and manufactured gemstones, including inspecting their inward construction, variety, hardness, and source. Even though synthetic stones may appear to be very similar to natural ones, it is usually possible to distinguish subtle differences with the right tools and knowledge. To ensure that you are receiving genuine gemstones of high quality, it is essential to purchase gemstones from a reputable vendor and to conduct background checks prior to making any purchases.