Historically, emeralds are prized for their bold green color and timeless allure. This type of gemstone has been found mined traditionally but nowadays, the lab grown emerald is a preferred option to consider now. When it comes to buying emerald jewelry, what are lab grown ones you wonder? In this article we are going out the truth behind the true size of nature used for gemstones.
Lab Grown Emeralds – What Are They?
Synthetic emeralds are also called lab grown emeralds: these stones grow in a laboratory under conditions that imitate the natural growth process. The chemical properties are quite similar to natural emeralds, as they are made of the mineral beryl and trace amounts of chromium or vanadium give them a green color. The main distinction between laboratory grown and mined emeralds lies in their formation process.
The chemical composition, optical properties and crystal structure of lab grown emeralds are similar to that found in mined or natural emeralds. Though not before a shorter production time and the environmental destruction that more often than naught comes with traditional mining.
The Science behind Lab Grown Emeralds
Lab grown emeralds are produced by one of two primary production methods: the hydrothermal process or a flux-growth method.
- Hydrothermal Process: It is a method that simulates the natural formation of emeralds, used to dissolve beryl material in high pressure and heat solution before growing crystals after an extended timespan.
- Flux Growth Method: In this way, substances are dissolved in a molten solution and then chilled down to room temperature for emerald crystallization.
It takes months not millions of years to make emeralds in a lab; so both ways are being misused/conducted simultaneously.
Why Go for Lab Grown Emeralds?
The advantages of created emeralds are bound to make them a more attractive option if you have been shopping for that special stone. Below, we will examine some of the reasons why lab grown emeralds are growing in recognition as well.
- Eco-friendly
Lab grown emeralds are particularly attractive, as they are the most eco-friendly gems. Lab grown emerald offer a green solution to the gray world of marginal mining practices that destroy natural habitats and use excessive energy sources. They are therefore a more responsible choice for those looking to purchase ethical jewelry items.
- Affordability
Lab created emeralds cost less to purchase compared with natural emeralds, so they are affordable for many consumers. Precious stones are marketed at a fraction of the cost, since they do not require extensive mining works or labor and transport fees associated with natural gemstones.
- Quality and Clarity
Lab grown material generally has fewer inclusions than natural. Due to the inclusions that occur naturally with eco-friendly emeralds, lab grown gems cannot be matched. When it comes to the look of lab grown emeralds, this can actually be a benefit because they tend to be more transparent and have fewer inclusions.
Difference between Lab Grown vs. Natural Emerald
A very common conundrum is that while both the natural and lab grown emeralds may seem alike, there are some vital differences between them.
- Cost
Lab grown emerald are usually more affordable than natural stones since they cost less to create and only have a value as synthetic gems. It is one of the reasons why it has become so popular because those looking to buy an emerald stone for its looks and not its price, have another cheaper alternative.
- Inclusions
It is hard to find an emerald that does not have inclusions, and these impurities could certainly impact the luster or durability of some gems. They may also have far less inclusions, and therefore be a near perfectly looking stone.
- Rarity
While lab made emeralds are the same chemical composition as natural stones, they do not match up in terms of rarity. Due to the degree of rarity and how much work goes into an emerald being found, many times natural emeralds fetch a larger price.
Should You Invest in Lab Grown Emeralds?
On the other hand, lab grown emerald are beautiful in their own right and will be considerably less expensive; however they may not have as much of an investment value versus natural ones. What you need to always bear in mind though is natural gemstones have a tendency of increasing their value or price with the passage of time but unfortunately such doesn’t apply for lab grown emeralds as they do not possess that rarity.
Conclusion
Therefore, lab grown emerald offer an accessible, sustainable and quality alternative to mined emeralds. Made possible by breakthroughs in technology, these stones are indistinguishable from their natural counterparts to the naked eye and come at a fraction of that cost. Gorgeous emeralds, whether you want them for your own jewelry or to be the gift of a lifetime. are not only kinder on nature but they hold their quality just as well.