Emeralds are such a beautiful green color and have been admired for years as representing wealth, love and success. Which brings us to these beauties, are lab grown emeralds real? But over the years, lab-grown gems have become a thing and all of us are still confused about whether they should be considered real or not. This article, we expose the truth about lab-created emeralds and whether they are right for you.
What Are Lab Grown Emeralds?
Emeralds are created and mined in nature, but also synthesized, lab-grown or cultured. These are chemically the same as natural or genuine emeralds, they possess similar crystal structure and physical traits. So, to answer the question, are lab grown emeralds real? Yes, they are. It is only that these have been made in a lab, instead of as they did over the millions of years.
Essentially, lab-grown emeralds are genuine, they have the beryllium-aluminum-silicate compound that natural emeralds possess to create their signature green tint. These are similar in effect but they differ greatly when it comes to their production.
How are Grown Emeralds Made
In order to determine if lab grown emeralds are real, you first need to know the methodology behind how they grow. These smart emeralds are created under conditions that simulate those in which natural emeralds develop. There are generally two methods for synthetic emerald growth: hydrothermal and flux-growth.
- Hydrothermal Method: The high pressure and temperature form crystals dissolved in water-based solutions. The minerals crystallize over time to create emeralds. According to the report, this solution is closely related to the way emeralds manage to grow in Earth’s crust.
- Flux-Growth Method: This method employs a “flux” or catalyst that allows materials to be melted at lower temperatures. As the reaction cools, it falls out of solution as emerald crystals. The flux-growth method usually yields emeralds with larger sizes; using hydrothermal growth instead results in smaller crystals, but of high quality.
Though the process takes weeks, instead of millions of years for natural gemstone formation, the emeralds are genuine. Such stones come as lab grown emeralds: – that exhibit the same optical brilliance, physical properties and a chemical composition-wise similarity to natural gemstones.
Lab Grown vs Natural Emeralds: What’s the Difference?
Lab Grown Emeralds are not false but there is a difference between them and natural emeralds?
- Cost: This is the biggest benefit of lab grown emeralds. As a result, they are usually much more affordable because they do not need both intensive mining processes and rarity of natural emeralds. Lab grown emeralds can have a price point that is usually 20-50% less what you would pay for the natural version.
- Clarity: They do not contain the amount of inclusions that a natural emerald does. Natural Emeralds have an attribute called the “jardin” (a French word for garden) which is to do with inclusions within. Lab grown emeralds typically exhibit fewer of these inclusions and are therefore crystal-clear.
- Sustainability: An ideal pick for those who are concerned about the environmental and ethical effects of mining, these lab-created emeralds ensure a social as well as an environment-friendly alternative. In turn, lab-grown gems require no large-scale mining operations and have a much lighter environmental footprint.
Debunking Myths: Are Lab Grown Emeralds Fake?
Arguably the biggest myth is that lab-grown stones are somehow “not real”. However, it is false to say that. Just because an emerald has been cultivated in the lab does not mean it is any less an emerald. The only difference is where they come from. Lab grown emeralds are just as durable and brilliant with the exact same chemical properties found in their natural counterparts.
Therefore when you ask the question, are lab grown emeralds real? They are just a peripheral upgrade to what exists in nature.
Conclusion
Lab grown emeralds are a great alternative for those looking to buy an emerald while also being conscious of price, environmentally friendly sourcing and ethical even in today’s jewelry marketplace. Yes, lab grown stones can be extremely good quality and if you’re asking yourself are lab grown emeralds real? The answer is yes. They have the appeal of natural emeralds and then some lower per-carat prices, high-quality cuts in both traditional forms and modern designs better suited to demanding rub over settings.
With lab created or natural emerald is something one can choose personally. These options give you gorgeous, genuine gemstones and these lab emeralds are not less stunning than natural, they are even more affordable yet equally or better clarity in a sustainable way. Therefore, lab-grown emeralds are an excellent option if you’re looking to include a lustrous green gem in your collection.
