Difference Between Natural and Synthetic Gemstones

Gemstones have been valued since ancient times for their beauty and astrological values. But nowadays, a lot of gemstone sellers provide synthetic gemstones to their clients. This makes it impossible to differentiate between natural and synthetic stone. Natural stones may look the same as their synthetic counterparts, but in reality, both are poles apart in terms of their origin, value, uniqueness, and astrological values. Before buying a gemstone for a ring, astrology, or as an investment, one needs to know about the differences between the two. In this blog, we will let you know about the main differences between a natural and a synthetic gemstone. 

What Are Natural Gemstones?

Natural stones are those gems that form naturally under the surface of the earth or water due to immense pressure, heat, or geographical or chemical changes. Due to this reason, natural stones have unique inclusions and textures that can’t be replicated in lab-created or synthetic gemstones. Below we have listed some of the most popular natural gemstones:

• Yellow Sapphire

• Ruby

• Emerald

• Blue Sapphire

• Red Coral

• Cat’s Eye

• Diamond

These gemstones are widely used for making all kinds of artistic and modern jewelry. In addition to this, they are also used for the purpose of Vedic astrology.

What Are Synthetic Gemstones?

Synthetic gemstones are man-made gems. These types of gemstones are generally made on a large scale inside laboratories using artificial methods. Scientists replicate the chemical and physical properties of natural gemstones to produce stones that look almost identical.

These gemstones are not used for astrology and are mainly used for making fashionable ornaments. Some of them are also used for commercial purposes.

Common Synthetic Gemstones

• Synthetic Ruby
• Synthetic Sapphire
• Lab-Created Emerald
• Cubic Zirconia
• Synthetic Diamond

Synthetic gemstones are usually more affordable and visually flawless compared to natural stones.

Natural vs Synthetic Gemstones: Key Differences

Although both natural and synthetic gems look similar, there are lots of differences between them. Below we have listed some of the major differences: 

Origin and Formation

The main difference lies in how these gemstones are formed. Natural gemstones are created by nature over millions of years through geological processes. On the other hand, synthetic gemstones are produced in laboratories within weeks or months using advanced technology. In addition to this, the time taken to create these gems also differs significantly. Natural stones take millions of years to form, while synthetic stones can be created in several weeks to months, which leads to their mass production. 

Appearance and Inclusions

Natural gemstones normally show several kinds of inclusions inside their structures. These inclusions may be in the form of tiny internal marks or imperfections formed naturally during their creation. It must be noted that these inclusions are often considered proof of the authenticity of the gem.

Synthetic gemstones, on the other hand, look very clean and perfect and don’t have any kind of inclusions. In addition to this, they also have a uniform color because they are manufactured under controlled conditions.

Natural Gemstones Show the Following Characteristics:

• Natural inclusions
• Uneven color zoning
• Unique growth patterns
• Slight imperfections

Synthetic Gemstones Show the Following Characteristics:

• Perfect clarity
• Uniform color
• Fewer inclusions
• Artificial growth patterns

A completely flawless gemstone at a very low price may indicate a synthetic stone.

Difference in Price and Value

There’s a huge difference in the prices of natural and synthetic gems. Normally, natural stones cost much more because of their limited supply and rarity. It must also be noted that it is very difficult to mine natural gems, and heavy expenses are incurred on them during this process. 

In addition to this, the cutting and polishing of these gems is also difficult, which also increases their prices significantly. On the other hand, synthetic gems are created on large scales in labs, and they are readily available. This reduces their overall prices. the expense to mine them, and how they are wanted. Good quality natural stones can be good investments, particularly if from well-known areas. Synthetic stones can be made very cheaply because they are made on a large scale in laboratories. 

Why Natural Gemstones Are More Expensive

• They are extremely rare and have a limited supply
• Takes over millions of years to form
• High mining and faceting costs
• They hold a great investment value
• They provide strong astrological effects 

For example, a natural Burmese ruby or Ceylon yellow sapphire can cost many times more than a synthetic version.

Astrological Importance of Natural Gemstones

In Vedic astrology, natural gemstones are believed to carry strong planetary energies. Therefore, astrologers recommend natural gemstones to those people who have weak planets in their horoscopes to enhance their powers. However, synthetic gemstones are generally not considered suitable for astrological remedies.

Why Astrologers Prefer Natural Gemstones

• They preserve natural planetary energy
• They are considered spiritually pure
• They form naturally over time
• They provide stronger astrological effects
• They maintain energetic authenticity

This is why natural untreated gemstones are usually recommended for planetary healing and horoscope remedies.

How to Identify Natural and Synthetic Gemstones

Distinguishing between natural and synthetic gemstones can be difficult without proper testing. However, there are several signs that can help buyers identify the difference.

Signs of a Natural Gemstone

• They show natural inclusions when viewed under magnification glass
• They have slight color variations
• They have high prices
• They are certified by reputed gemological labs

Signs of a Synthetic Gemstone

• They look extremely perfect
• They have a very low price
• They have a uniform color and clarity
• Artificial shine or flawless texture

Importance of Gemstone Certification

A gemstone certificate is one of the most important documents, which helps in differentiating between synthetic and natural gems. The lab certificates acquired from prestigious labs such as IGI, GIA, ITLGJ, etc., provide complete information about the gemstones. In labs these gems are tested using several kinds of advanced scientific methods and equipment. 

A Gemstone Certificate Reveals the Following

• Gemstone is Natural or synthetic
• Treatment status of Gemstone
• Carat weight of the gemstone
• Color and clarity of the gemstone
• Gemstone variety

Why Synthetic Gemstones Are Becoming Popular

While natural gemstones continue to be very much in demand, synthetic stones are increasing in popularity for fashion jewelry due to both their affordability and their good looks. Younger buyers are increasingly opting for synthetic gemstones when they buy fashion designs and don't want to spend too much money on jewelry. They can also provide a more ethical and eco-friendly alternative in some instances. For astrology and long-term investments, natural stones continue to be the preferred choice.

Natural Gemstones as Investments

Natural gemstones are often considered luxury assets and investment stones because their value may increase over time. Rare, untreated gemstones from famous origins are especially valuable in the global gemstone market.

Valuable Natural Gemstones

• Burmese Ruby
• Kashmir Blue Sapphire
• Colombian Emerald
• Ceylon Yellow Sapphire

Synthetic gemstones generally do not appreciate in value because they can be reproduced easily.

Conclusion

Natural and synthetic gems may appear identical to the untrained eye, but there is a vast difference in terms of scarcity, value, and genuineness, as well as astrological significance. Natural gems were formed millions of years ago and are considered to hold powerful planetary energies, while the synthetic ones are lab-made to satisfy the demands of the jewelry market as fashion ornaments. Therefore, before buying any gemstone, you must check its certification and only buy the gemstones from trusted sellers like RashiRatanBhagya.