Have you ever wondered if your emerald is a fake? Lab-created emeralds have become increasingly popular in recent years, making it difficult to distinguish between natural and lab emerald. In this blog post, we will discuss how to tell if an emerald is lab-created and the differences between natural and lab emeralds. Whether you’re a jewelry enthusiast or just curious, this post will provide you with all the information you need to know about lab emeralds.
Check The Origin
One of the best ways to determine if an emerald is lab-created is to check its origin. Lab-created emeralds typically originate from countries that specialize in synthetic gemstones, such as China, India, and Russia. It’s also important to note that certain types of emeralds, such as morganite stone, are only found in lab-created form. If you can’t find a clear origin for the stone, it may be a good idea to have it authenticated before purchasing. A jeweler or gemologist will be able to tell you if your emerald is genuine or not.
Morganite stones are well known for their distinct pinkish-orange color, making them an ideal option for those who want something different from traditional green emeralds. Morganites tend to be less expensive than their natural counterparts due to their lab-created origins. Since they’re created in controlled environments, they lack the flaws and imperfections typical of naturally formed gems. These stones are also very durable, meaning they can withstand daily wear without any damage. The hardness rating of Morganite on the Mohs scale is 7.5 to 8, making them strong enough to set into jewelry without fear of scratching or breaking. While they may not have the same level of shine as a natural emerald, they still provide excellent brilliance when cut correctly.
Examine The Clarity
When it comes to assessing the clarity of an emerald, you will want to look for any inclusions. This can be done by viewing the gemstone under magnification. If the emerald is clear, with no inclusions visible, chances are it is a lab-created emerald. If the gemstone has small inclusions, or its clarity is slightly hazy, it could still be a genuine emerald, however there is a chance it is not. It is also worth noting that lab-created emeralds tend to have a more intense color than genuine emeralds. For comparison, you can look at a genuine Morganite stone and compare it with the emerald in question.
Inspect The Color
When it comes to inspecting the color of an emerald, it is important to consider if it is a Morganite stone. Natural emeralds have a deep green color, often with hints of blue and yellow. This hue should be consistent throughout the stone. Additionally, any impurities or flaws should not affect the overall hue or saturation of the emerald. Lab-created stones, on the other hand, can have an unnatural hue that does not match the appearance of a natural emerald. If you are unsure about the authenticity of a stone, compare it to the color of a known natural emerald or a Morganite stone.
Consider The Weight
When considering whether or not an emerald is lab-created, you can also pay attention to the weight of the stone. Natural emeralds are usually heavier than synthetic versions and Morganite stones, for example, which are commonly used to replicate the gemstone. A real emerald will have more weight to it due to its density. If the emerald you’re considering feels significantly lighter than other examples of the same size, it could be a sign that it’s lab-created or made from a less dense material like Morganite. It’s important to note that the gemstone’s weight alone is not an indicator of authenticity, but rather another factor to consider when making a purchasing decision.
Research The Value
When considering whether an emerald is lab-created or natural, one of the most important factors to consider is its value. Lab-created emeralds are usually much more affordable than natural emeralds. If a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is. Natural emeralds are often more valuable than other gemstones such as Morganite stones, so if you’re offered a price that is far lower than what you would expect to pay for a natural emerald, it’s very likely that you are looking at a lab-created version. You can research the market value of emeralds to get an idea of what the average cost should be for a natural emerald. Be sure to compare apples to apples when making this comparison and remember that the value of emeralds can vary depending on the quality and size of the stone.
