FAQ: Defining Natural, Synthetic & Simulant Gemstones
One of the most common questions that comes up when people ask about synthetic gemstones is "Are they fake?" While no stone is truly fake - after all, it exists! - it can be helpful to know the difference between natural, synthetic, and simulant gemstones.
A natural gemstone or gem material has been created by natural processes without human intervention. Most gemstones are minerals, which means they are inorganic materials with a characteristic crystal structure and chemical composition. Some are organic materials, and thus have been created by living or once living organisms, like coral and bone. The key feature of a natural gem is that humans are not involved in its formation.
A synthetic gemstone has been created artificially in a laboratory under conditions developed to mimic natural formation processes. A synthetic gem has the same crystal structure and chemical composition as its natural counterpart, and thus has the same physical and optical properties. However, there may be some traces left from its creation that impact factors like fluorescence or inclusions. The type of synthesis can also impact appearance, with more costly and time-consuming processes creating synthetics that more closely resemble naturally formed gemstones. Other descriptors may include laboratory-grown and man-made.
A simulant is a gemstone or gem material that is used to imitate another, often more expensive or rare, gemstone. A simulant may be natural, synthetic, or assembled from natural and/or synthetic parts. For example, common diamond simulants include moissanite, colorless sapphire, colorless topaz, cubic zirconia, and glass.
The gemstone industry is constantly changing and adding new terms and descriptors, so it is vital to do your research before purchasing! Natural, synthetic, and simulant gems all have an important role in the marketplace, as long as the buyer is properly informed.
