A gemstone is a piece of mineral crystal, or sometimes organic material, that is cut and polished for use in jewelry or other adornments. The perception of a gemstone’s “realness” can be complex, depending on its formation or acquisition. While some gemstones are created naturally within the Earth, others are produced in laboratories, or are entirely different materials designed to mimic natural beauty. Understanding these distinctions helps appreciate their diverse origins and characteristics.
What Defines a Natural Gemstone?
Natural gemstones originate deep within the Earth, forming over millions of years through geological processes involving immense heat, pressure, and specific chemical elements. Their formation often results in characteristic internal features, such as minor imperfections or foreign materials trapped within the crystal, known as inclusions. These inclusions serve as evidence of the stone’s natural origin.
The rarity and lengthy process of their natural formation contribute significantly to their value and desirability. They are prized for their untouched state, reflecting the Earth’s ancient processes.
Understanding Synthetic and Imitation Gemstones
Concerns about “fake” gemstones often arise, but it is important to differentiate between synthetic and imitation materials, as they represent distinct categories. Synthetic gemstones are laboratory-grown creations that possess the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical properties as their natural counterparts. For instance, lab-grown diamonds, rubies, and sapphires are chemically and optically identical to those found in nature. While they are “real” in terms of their material science, their origin is not natural. These stones are often produced for cost-effectiveness or ethical sourcing.
In contrast, imitation gemstones, also known as simulants, are materials that merely mimic the appearance of natural gemstones but have different chemical compositions and physical properties. Cubic zirconia (CZ) and moissanite are common examples used to imitate diamonds. Cubic zirconia is made from zirconium dioxide, while moissanite is composed of silicon carbide, both distinct from a diamond’s carbon structure. Imitation stones like glass can also be used to simulate emeralds. These simulants differ from the gems they imitate in hardness, light reflection, and durability, often showing more “fire” or rainbow-like dispersion compared to a diamond’s white light brilliance.
Common Gemstone Treatments and Their Impact
Many natural gemstones undergo various treatments to enhance their appearance, improving their color, clarity, or durability. Heat treatment is one of the most common methods, used on sapphires, rubies, aquamarine, amethyst, and tanzanite to alter or intensify their color. This process is considered durable and permanent under normal conditions. Another widely used treatment is irradiation, which involves exposing gemstones like blue topaz, diamonds, and tourmaline to controlled radiation sources to change their color.
Oiling or fracture filling is a treatment primarily applied to emeralds, and sometimes rubies or diamonds, to fill surface-reaching fractures and improve their apparent clarity. This treatment may not be permanent and can be affected by cleaning processes. Dyeing is used for porous gemstones like jadeite, pearls, and chalcedony to introduce or enhance color. While these stones are still natural in origin, their value can be influenced by the extent and type of treatment. Reputable dealers are expected to disclose any treatments a gemstone has undergone, providing transparency to the consumer.
How to Identify Gemstones
Identifying gemstones requires careful observation and, for valuable pieces, professional assessment. A primary step is to purchase from reputable jewelers or dealers who provide certifications for their stones. For high-value gemstones, independent gemological laboratory certifications, such as those from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gem Society (AGS), are important. These certifications offer detailed analyses of a gemstone’s characteristics and any treatments it may have received.
Consumers can also look for basic visual cues. Natural gemstones often exhibit unique internal characteristics or inclusions, which are rarely perfectly clear. In contrast, synthetic gemstones can appear unnaturally flawless. Differences in how stones reflect light, such as the amount of white light brilliance versus rainbow-colored “fire,” can also provide clues, as seen when comparing diamonds with moissanite or cubic zirconia.
For definitive identification, especially for significant purchases, seeking a professional gemologist or appraiser is recommended. These experts use specialized equipment and knowledge to accurately determine a gemstone’s identity and characteristics.