What does the term “synthetic” gemstone really mean?
A “synthetic” gemstone is laboratory-grown, or manufactured. All the chemical, physical, and optical characteristics of synthetic gemstones are identical to their natural counterparts. Good synthetics have been made since the early 1900s. Because they mimic natural stones so well, most synthetics are difficult to detect, even by experts. Often, the only clue is the physical perfection of the stone–synthetics are usually flawless. Which are the most well-known gemstone imitations? Imitation, or simulated, gemstones may be natural (substitutes) or manmade (artificial). Substitutes are cheaper look-alike stones. Red spinel or garnets may be substituted for ruby, and green tourmaline is used to replace emerald. Cubic zirconia, a manmade stone from a natural substance, is a well-known substitute for diamond. How can we tell? Their name is often a clue to substitutions. Genuine gemstones are called by their true names, with no descriptive words as part of the name. Example, a sapphire is si
