What are the main differences between man made sapphires and natural ones?
Synthetic sapphires are lab-created either by flame fusion method or flux-melt method or less commonly, by hydrothermal method. They have the same physical, optical and chemical properties as natural sapphires. Some lab-created sapphires may be included, although most are clean. Since they have the same properties as naturals, they will not scratch or chip more easily than a natural stone. Prices of synthetic sapphires depend on the method of synthesis used. In general, FF sapphires are mouch more affordable than FM sapphires. (Depending on the quality and color, FF’s can cost as little as a few cents a carat and FM’s can cost over a hundred a carat.) I found a 3ct sapphire (allegedly hydrothermal) on Ebay for 0.99cts! Here’s the link http://cgi.ebay.com/16-HUGE-STUNNING-SYN… As a gemstone enthusiast a
