This synthetic gemstone guide covers rubies sapphires emeralds opals and many more species and explains their fabrication processes this five part series of articles understanding gem synthetics treatments and imitations is a chapter from dr.
What are synthetic sapphires made from.
Researchers have tried by varying concentrations of ni2 ni3 and cr3 to generate a wide spectrum of colour.
Flux grown pulled and hydrothermal synthetic sapphires can be very convincing substitutes for the natural gem.
If you are considering buying a synthetic sapphire but are having doubts then stay with me till the end as i walk you through just about everything you need to.
This 790 ct sapphire was cut from colorless corundum grown via the czochralski melt process in the 1970s immense lab grown sapphires were used for a variety of applications.
When these sapphires are treated in labs and produced these are called diffusion sapphires.
Synthetic sapphire is made from the crystallization process of aluminum oxide at a very high temperature.
While research and discussions with gem experts and jewelry retailers will help you understand the differences between natural and man made sapphires there is little visual or physical evidence that differentiates one from the other some of the differences between natural sapphires and synthetic ones include.
Color change synthetic sapphire made to imitate alexandrite has been popular since the early 1900s.
They possess the same physical chemical and optical properties as a natural stone.
Diffusion treated sapphires are produced by diffusion.
Using your flashlight examine the star on your sapphire closely.
Imitation or simulant these are gemstones that try and look like real natural gemstones but are made of an entirely different material.
Many gemstones can be created in the laboratory and have a longer manufacturing history than diamond.
The verneuil technique is used for making synthetic sapphires.
Synthetic synthetic gemstones are gemstones that are made by man but have a natural counterpart.
Manufacturers cut this melt material into large thick rectangular slices to make windows for helicopter gunships.
Parti sapphires show two or more colors.
In fact they are the real thing.
Ways to tell the difference between natural and synthetic sapphires.
Many synthetic sapphires are still made by flame fusion but flux grown sapphires have been available since the 1960s.
Synthetic sapphires although grown through costly laboratory procedures are not as expensive as natural gems but are just as good as the real thing.