There is a TON of confusion about terminology regarding the origin of a gemstone.
“Natural, Genuine, Mined, Lab Grown, Lab Created, Synthetic, Imitation, Simulated, Cultured, Cultivated” can mean a lot of different things. And in some cases they are different terms for the same thing. I know it’s bewildering! So let’s hopefully clear up the misunderstanding. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC); the different terms can be broken down accordingly:
“Natural or Mined” – is a term applied to a stone or mineral that occurred in nature and was dug up from the ground. Depending on the stone these can be incredibly rare and consequently are often of greater value. Case in point – A 1.57ct Alexandrite (genuine) stone is listed currently on Stuller for nearly $66,000. Obviously that is an exceptional quality stone, but it is not an uncommon expectation of price. It’s also not a particularly large stone. It’s a 7.52mm x5.50 mm Emerald Cut Stone. This is approximately ¼ the size of a Dime or the nail bed of a small pinkie finger.
“Lab Created, Lab Grown, Manufacturer Created, Synthetic “ – are terms applied to gemstones that have the same chemical, physical, and visual properties as natural gemstones, but they aren’t as rare and often are less expensive. The only differences are A) It didn’t take millions of years to create, B) are more often more aesthetically perfect, and C) Occasionally can intentionally be in different colors.
“Imitation or Simulated” – are terms that mean they may look like a particular stone but are in fact generally made from glass, plastic or some other less costly material. And the differences are generally easily spotted by the naked eye.
A lot of people confuse “Imitation/Simulated” with “Lab Created, etc.” Rest assured they are not the same thing. Again, any Lab Created, Etc. stone is in fact an “Actual” “Real” “Genuine” “Authentic” Ruby, Alexandrite, Emerald, Sapphire or what have you. Lab Grown gems are also occasionally referred to as “Genuine” because…they actually ARE genuine. They have the same chemical composition, appearance, and density of mined stones. These make the acquisition of gemstones far more attainable for most people. A few decades ago when lab grown gemstones first started gaining in popularity they were often off-colored. However in the intervening years the process has been perfected and now the main difference between mined and lab created gem stones is that lab-created are typically flawless which is something not often found in nature.
“Natural, Genuine, Mined, Lab Grown, Lab Created, Synthetic, Imitation, Simulated, Cultured, Cultivated” can mean a lot of different things. And in some cases they are different terms for the same thing. I know it’s bewildering! So let’s hopefully clear up the misunderstanding. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC); the different terms can be broken down accordingly:
“Natural or Mined” – is a term applied to a stone or mineral that occurred in nature and was dug up from the ground. Depending on the stone these can be incredibly rare and consequently are often of greater value. Case in point – A 1.57ct Alexandrite (genuine) stone is listed currently on Stuller for nearly $66,000. Obviously that is an exceptional quality stone, but it is not an uncommon expectation of price. It’s also not a particularly large stone. It’s a 7.52mm x5.50 mm Emerald Cut Stone. This is approximately ¼ the size of a Dime or the nail bed of a small pinkie finger.
“Lab Created, Lab Grown, Manufacturer Created, Synthetic “ – are terms applied to gemstones that have the same chemical, physical, and visual properties as natural gemstones, but they aren’t as rare and often are less expensive. The only differences are A) It didn’t take millions of years to create, B) are more often more aesthetically perfect, and C) Occasionally can intentionally be in different colors.
“Imitation or Simulated” – are terms that mean they may look like a particular stone but are in fact generally made from glass, plastic or some other less costly material. And the differences are generally easily spotted by the naked eye.
A lot of people confuse “Imitation/Simulated” with “Lab Created, etc.” Rest assured they are not the same thing. Again, any Lab Created, Etc. stone is in fact an “Actual” “Real” “Genuine” “Authentic” Ruby, Alexandrite, Emerald, Sapphire or what have you. Lab Grown gems are also occasionally referred to as “Genuine” because…they actually ARE genuine. They have the same chemical composition, appearance, and density of mined stones. These make the acquisition of gemstones far more attainable for most people. A few decades ago when lab grown gemstones first started gaining in popularity they were often off-colored. However in the intervening years the process has been perfected and now the main difference between mined and lab created gem stones is that lab-created are typically flawless which is something not often found in nature.