Lab Grown Vs Natural Gemstones - Which Is Better?

Thinking of Buying Gemstone Jewelry? Know The Differences Between Lab-grown and Natural Gems

"Natural or lab-grown, which kind should I pick”? The debate is as old as.. well, as old as the lab-grown gems hit the market and made everyone literally confused with their dazzling glare and close to natural appearance. Don't worry; you're not the only one stuck in this dilemma. These shimmering crystals have attracted worldwide discussions, and we can totally understand why! After all, no matter how often you look at a natural emerald and a mined one and don't know what's going on. But not any longer!

All your queries and confusion end with this post. Embark on a journey of lab-grown Vs. Natural gems and highlight peculiar differences to strengthen your buying decision. By the end of this post, you'll have an explained understanding of which one is ideal for you.

Lab Grown Vs Natural Gemstones – Find Major Points of Differences

Whenever we get mesmerized by these utterly charming, aesthetically gorgeous, and colored gemstones, thinking of buying one to amp up our gemstone Jewelry collection, we come across two options, natural or man-made one. That's why knowing the differences between these two will help you meet your expectations. So, without any delay, let's read their differences. Here you go:

What Are Natural Gemstones?

Well, as understood by the word "natural" in their name, these gemstones or crystals form naturally within the deep Earth's crust, exposed to extreme heat and pressure for a couple of hundred thousand years, and then are directly mined. Further, each piece of gemstone is cut and polished by skilled laborers to enhance its appearance and bring out its natural beauty in exquisite sterling silver Jewelry that we see thriving in the market today.

Most gems form in the Earth's crust, while a few form even in the deeper layer called the mantle, as they need higher temperatures to crystallize. They have been known to humanity for thousands of years and are prized for their impeccable beauty, earthy colors, and celestial influences for overall well-being healing. These mined crystals come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. Diamond, sapphire, ruby, emerald, amethyst, topaz, and quartz are some of the types of natural gemstones.

How Do Natural Gemstones Occur In Nature?

Looking at the striking beauty, artistic patterns, and attractive color themes of natural gems, we feel so blessed that nature has gifted us such miraculous little wonders. But how does this charisma occur? Let's go through some of these processes that take place within Earth here:

Metamorphic Gemstones – You often see celebs or influencers wearing these classic blue Tanzanite Jewelry, intense red Ruby and Garnet Jewelry, sapphire, adorable green emerald Jewelry, or Kyanite Jewelry; all they fall under the category of metamorphic gems. These gems are formed when existing rocks are forced to change their chemical structure and mineralogical composition due to the extreme pressure and heat deep below the Earth's surface.
Igneous Gemstones – If you are a fan of incredible Jewelry pieces like Tourmaline Jewelry, Aquamarine Jewelry, Opal jewelry, Peridot Jewelry and Topaz Jewelry, you probably talk about igneous gems. They form within the deep Earth's mantle through hydrothermal processes and are brought to the surface of the Earth by volcanic activities or other geological processes.
Sedimentary Gemstones – Gift your loved ones distinctive accessories like Malachite Jewelry, Azurite Jewelry, or Turquoise Jewelry made through sedimentary gems. When mineral-rich fluid mixes with the minerals on the Earth's surface, and creates layers of minerals in cracks and pockets, these gems are formed.

What Are Lab-Grown Gemstones?

Lab-grown, lab-created, or man-made crystals, also known as synthetic crystals, are simply grown or created by human intervention in their labs. Here, these crystals are exposed to a similar atmosphere of beneath the Earth's surface and contain the same chemical composition as natural gems. In simple words, instead of being mined or dug up from the Earth, these synthetic crystals are prepared in a controlled environment using advanced scientific methods and techniques.

Since they form within a couple of weeks in the labs, they are cheaper than natural ones. Due to human processes, they have better quality control, durability, and precise color and clarity. Today, you can find synthetic versions of diamonds, sapphire, Ruby, spinel, alexandrite, moissanite, and opal.

How Are Lab-Grown Gemstones Created In the Labs?

As lab-grown gems have entered the scene, it is better to get an idea behind their creation in the labs. Although the variety of lab treatments differs depending on a gem's type and mineral composition, some of them are discussed here. Have a look:

HPHT (High-Pressure, High Temperature) – One of the oldest ways to create a crystal in the lab involves heating treatment to create natural-looking gems. Here, a gem seed is placed in carbon and then exposed to high temperature and pressure to give it the same geological conditions below the Earth's surface. When the carbon melts and cools, a crystallized gem is formed.
CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) -In this method, gems are created layer by layer in a chamber using a gemstone seed. A small gem component is heated to extreme temperature with gas and then tiny layers gradually occur onto the seed, forming a full stone.
Hydrothermal Growth -This is the most common method where a gemstone is dissolved in the fluid inside an autoclave machine by exposure to heat and pressure. When this fluid gets cool, a crystal is formed.

How To Spot Differences Between Natural and Lab-Created Gems?

Due to the natural-looking appearance and similar chemical properties, it is quite hard to distinguish lab-created gems from natural gems through the naked eye. However, a few points can help you differentiate. Here they are as follows:

Visual Inspection – Although just by looking at them, lab gems can't be identified, your attention to a few details can make the game easier for you. For example, lab-grown gems tend to have fewer inclusions than natural ones, i.e., imperfections such as gas bubbles, solids, cleavage, etc. Also, natural stones may have irregular or unusual shapes, whereas lab-grown ones will be symmetrical and perfectly shaped. Besides these characteristics, lab-grown gems are uniform in color, whereas natural gems will showcase a beautiful color variation, distinct patterns, and veining.
Durability – Lab-Created gems are often prepared with stronger or durable materials, and thereby, they have higher resistance to withstand everyday wear and tear. On the other hand, natural gems can be fragile due to their lessened hardness and may be susceptible to breakages. However, a few natural crystals can withstand everyday breakages depending on which number they sit on the Mohs scale.
Cost - Since lab-grown gems skip the formation period of thousands of years due to creation in the lab, they are comparatively cheaper than natural ones.

Lab-Grown Vs Natural Gemstones – Which Makes a Better Choice?

Generally, when people ask which is a better choice between natural and lab-grown gemstones, honestly, the answer depends on one's priorities. If you're looking for affordable gems, you must go for lab-created gems, whereas if you're seeking something earthy, precious, and rare with therapeutic healing significance, go for natural gemstones. No matter which type you choose, it is important to have an idea about both of them so that you can differentiate and make an informed decision.

If you're looking to buy natural gemstone Jewelry, Sagacia Jewelry is a perfect place to start. We are a trusted leading and US-based e-commerce platform, dealing in fine quality, authentic, and diverse range of sterling silver Jewelry that suits your unique taste and style. From black onyx rings, and Larimar pendants to Green Amethyst bracelets and Citrine earrings, you can find our assorted and one-of-a-kind collection at the best rates. Scroll our website and pick a beloved piece now.