Full Answer
How are blue sapphires made in a lab?
You need specific laboratory conditions like high temperature and pressure and the right minerals to create the blue sapphires. Once they form, you can cut and polish them just like natural sapphires to turn them into beautiful gemstones. Blue sapphire created in a lab isn’t a new commodity.
What color is a blue sapphire?
Although sapphires come in almost every color except red (which is designated ruby), the traditional color one thinks of is a deep blue. Our lab grown or created synthetic blue sapphire gems have the same composition and physical properties, but have higher perfection than is usually seen in natural sapphires.
Do you offer lab grown sapphire gems?
We offer lab grown sapphire gems as loose sapphires. The composition and properties of lab created sapphire is identical to that of natural sapphire. Our lab created sapphire is not limited to the most well-known blue coloration, but we produce a variety of colors, found below.
When was the first lab created Sapphire made?
It wasn’t until 1902 when Auguste Verneuil discovered the flame fusion method and the first truly successful lab sapphire was created. This article will discuss: What Is a Sapphire? What Is a Lab Created Sapphire? What is the Difference? The Verdict – Which is Better? Natural Sapphire or the Lab created sapphire What is a Sapphire?
Are lab-created sapphires worth anything?
The best quality and highest-rated sapphires could cost around $50 or more per carat. Their synthetic counterparts are about $8 to $10 less expensive per carat.
Are lab-Created sapphires real sapphires?
Lab sapphire has the same mineral makeup as natural sapphire and is “real” sapphire. Lab sapphire is visually identical to high quality natural sapphire. In fact, it requires a gemologist to distinguish between the two! “Imitation” or “simulant” sapphire – often known as “sapphire color” – could be called “fake”.
Are lab-created gemstones worth anything?
Value: Natural gemstones hold more value because of their formation process and the fact that they are rarer. Because of this, they will also increase in value as time passes. Alternatively, lab-created gemstones usually hold less value.
How can you tell if a sapphire is lab-created?
Sapphire ranks a 9 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, second only to a diamond, so if it leaves a mark when scratched with a harder substance, you will know it is a fake. You can try this by scratching the stone with a diamond, a key or a coin.
Why are lab created sapphires so cheap?
Because lab-created stones rely on a steady, controlled process of applying minerals, heat and pressure, they usually have fewer inclusions. So you get high-quality lab-created stones, and their prices are significantly lower than their natural gemstone counterparts.
Can a jeweler tell if a stone is lab created?
Professional jewelers and gemologists cannot tell the difference between a lab created diamond and a natural one just by looking at it with the naked eye. They will have to use a microscope to look for the tiny differences in its inclusions that indicate how it was formed.
Are lab created gems fake?
Also referred to as “synthetic,” lab-created gemstones are in fact real and genuine; just man-made instead of mined from the earth. Believe it or not, lab gemstones are chemically, physically and optically identical to their natural counterparts!
How can you tell if a gem is lab created?
Lab-created gemstones are crystal-like; you can see 'into' and sometimes 'through' the gemstone. Lab-created gemstones have very vivid colors. Natural gemstones have opaque or diluted colors. Only the most expensive and rare natural gemstones exhibit the vivid colors of a lab-created gemstone.
Why are lab grown gems so cheap?
The only thing that makes a lab-grown diamond different from a mined diamond is its origin. A lab-created diamond touches fewer hands than in the mining process so it's more cost-effective. Great Heights diamonds are priced by 40 to 60 percent less compared to mined diamonds.
Who makes the best lab-created sapphires?
Founded 75 years ago, Chatham is recognized as the leader of laboratory-grown gemstones, with a large selection of rubies, blue, pink, white, and yellow sapphires, emeralds, padparadscha, alexandrite, aqua blue spinel, and diamond.
How much are lab sapphires?
The average weight is 1.89 ct., priced at $32/ct.
Why does my blue sapphire ring look black?
The black color of the stone is a result of iron and titanium traces present in the mineral. Sometimes, this stone also looks very dark blue or gray color. Black sapphires come mainly from Australia and are mined in large quantities.
Are lab-created gems fake?
Also referred to as “synthetic,” lab-created gemstones are in fact real and genuine; just man-made instead of mined from the earth. Believe it or not, lab gemstones are chemically, physically and optically identical to their natural counterparts!
Are all lab-created sapphires the same?
Identical Physical, Optical and Chemical Properties Sapphires grown in a lab pretty much have the same atomic and optical properties of a sapphire mined from the earth.
Do lab-created sapphires scratch easily?
Lab-created sapphires do not scratch or chip more easily than the natural stones and are valued for their quality.
How are lab-created sapphires made?
There are two types of methods for artificially creating sapphires: melt processes, which involve melting aluminum oxide into a sapphire droplet, and solution processes, which grow sapphire crystals in a solution.
Why are synthetic sapphires made?
Making of Synthetic Sapphires. At first the synthetic sapphires were made to address the industrial needs and usage of sapphire. Sapphire scores a 9 in Mohr’s scale which gives them unique hardness properties.
What colors do sapphires come in?
Most prominent lab created sapphires come in colorless or white, blue, red (ruby), pink and orange. High color intensity, particularly of the blue synthetic sapphire are tough to create, thus becomes expensive in making. Many lab created sapphires are thus now creating easy to make colors like white or pink.
How long does it take for sapphires to grow?
The sapphires or the corundum are grown in a matter of days with this method. The process and the materials used during the melt process allows it to be sold at a lower rate.
How to identify diffuse treated synthetics?
These diffuse treated synthetics are easy to identify through lab testing and it display the color concentrations at the facet lines and gradle edges.
What is the nicest gemstone after diamonds?
If someone asks you what is the nicest and most marketed gemstone after diamonds, the obvious answer is blue sapphire. While there are other rare gemstones and sapphires that have a higher price...
What industries use sapphires?
This hardness is exploited in multiple industries ranging across electronics, abrasives, laser products and even communications related products . The synthetic sapphires are made and consumed in thousands of metric tons per annum in these industries.
What is lab sapphire used for?
Now these are being widely used even for the jewelry making with the heightened price point of natural gemstones.
What colors are corundum?
The most common Corundum colors are Blue Sapphire and Ruby but we can also supply you White Sapphire, Orange Sapphire, Yellow Sap phire and Alexandrites in all shapes and sizes.
How much does a blue sapphire cost?
Not everyone can afford to wear a jewellery with real blue sapphire stones as a top quality blue sapphire can cost upto $10,000 to $50,000 a carat. But most of the people can afford to wear jewellery with Synthetic Blue Sapphire in it as you can easily find a top quality Lab Created Blue Sapphire at gemsngems for below $100.
What are lab created gems?
Today you can find all sorts of Lab Created Gemstones in the market like lab created emeral, lab created ruby and lab created alexandrites. Out of all these Lab Created Gemstones, the lab created Blue Sapphire is considered to be one of the best discoveries made by man.
Do lab made blue sapphires have the same properties as real stones?
These Lab Created Blue Sapphires will have same chemical properties of the real stones. They will have the same hardness, density and appearance like the Natural Blue Sapphire. Only a trained eye can make out the difference between the two.
Why are synthetic sapphires not lab-created?
Synthetic sapphires, as with other lab-created gems, form without these inclusions, because the natural variables to which the natural sapphires were exposed do not exist inside the laboratory conditions. Location: In regions where no sapphire mines have been located, but sapphire prices are seemingly low.
What are sapphires made of?
Sapphires are made from corundum, both in nature (where they’re mined) and in labs (where they're harvested once the predetermined development period is over). Because no synthetic material is used to replace the corundum used to create sapphires, real and synthetic sapphires are indistinguishable from one another by hardness and visual characteristics alone. To find the differences between the two types of sapphires, you have to look closely at the methods of formation and the environments in which both kinds of stones are developed.
How much does a sapphire cost?
Depending on their size, original blue-colored loose natural sapphires of average to higher quality can cost more than $30 per carat. The best quality and highest-rated sapphires could cost around $50 or more per carat. Their synthetic counterparts are about $8 to $10 less expensive per carat.
What affects the price of sapphires?
Their pairings with other gemstones, jewelry settings, cuts, etc. will ultimately affect the sapphire’s retail price. If you consider buying a real and authentic stone for its value and properties, it's essential to deal with a well-known, reputable dealer you can trust.
How do you determine the value of a gemstone?
A gem’s value may be decided based on where, how, and when it was mined.
What is synthetic gemstone?
In many cases, that's inaccurate. “Synthetic” typically refers to something in nature that is developed, a component for component, in a controlled lab environment. Such is the case with some gemstones.
Is synthetic sapphire the same as natural sapphire?
These synthetic gems could fall into a price range almost equal to natural sapphires of the same or similar quality .
Why Choose a Synthetic Sapphire?
We’ve already talked about why synthetic sapphires are growing in popularity. But let’s take a look at what makes it a good choice.
What is the most popular lab grown gem?
Among the most popular lab-grown gems is the sapphire. This is because sapphire deposits are one of the hardest to find.
How are lab grown sapphires made?
First of all, lab-grown gems are produced by copying the properties of the original, usually by duplicating the environmental conditions that naturally mined stones undergo but in a much, much shorter time. These stones have a similar chemical composition, optics and crystal structure to natural stones.
How long does it take for sapphires to form?
It takes millions of years for a sapphire to form in nature and these naturally grown sapphires and other precious stones are becoming increasingly rare. Natural sapphires are rarer and more valuable. See natural sapphires here by Delarah.
Why are sapphires good for the environment?
Apart from this monetary aspect, synthetic sapphires have no mining footprint so are a great choice in terms of environmental sustainability. Because they are created in laboratories, no harm is inflicted on the environment by way of soil pollution or excessive emission of carbon and other greenhouse gases.
What is imitation gemstone?
It is just a look-alike, a wannabe. Chemically, optically, and physically, imitation gemstones are very different from natural gemstones and are often much less valuable. They are also less durable. A blue glass vintage sapphire ring.
What is the next best thing to natural sapphires?
So what’s the next best thing to natural sapphires? Synthetic sapphires, of course.
What is the difference between lab-created sapphires and natural sapphires?
Both are identical materials and have the same molecular makeup. Lab-created synthetic sapphires have the same physical properties, visual characteristics and hardness level as the natural gemstones.
Why are sapphires more expensive than natural gemstones?
Natural sapphires are more expensive because they are rare, difficult to mine and include a labor cost. Natural sapphires with no inclusions command the highest price.
Why are natural gemstones so valuable?
The natural gemstones are valued for their rarity and the fact that no two are alike. Natural sapphires have natural inclusions or flaws in them and exhibit a distinctive color based on the region where they are produced.
How are lab sapphires made?
Lab-Created Sapphires. Lab-created sapphires are made using corundum, just as the natural gemstone is. However, they are created in a laboratory and grown under carefully controlled conditions, simulating the high pressure and heat of the earth to replicate a natural sapphire. The heat used to create them comes from a machine.
What are the inclusions in sapphires?
Natural sapphires have inclusions, which are flaws or specks, as a result of gases and minerals that are mixed into the molten mass and trapped within the stone during crystallization and before cooling. Natural sapphires come in many varieties, such as light blue, deep blue, violet, purple, pink, orange or yellow.
What is synthetic sapphire?
Lab-created synthetic sapphires have the same physical properties, visual characteristics and hardness level as the natural gemstones. Natural sapphires are created by the earth and mined, which makes them rare. The synthetic stones are created by man in a carefully controlled environment.
Where is Charmaine Jens?
Based in Colorado, Charmaine Jens began her writing career as an editor and technical writer. Her professional experience includes work in executive administration and serving as a resume editor, specializing in military transition clients. Jens holds a Master of Business Administration from Colorado Mesa University.
What is a Sapphire?
For most people, blue is synonymous with sapphires. In fact, the name sapphire comes from the Latin word saphirus meaning blue. The ancient Greeks believed it was the reflection of the sapphire gave the sky and lakes their colors. However, sapphires are actually available in a variety of colors, each valued for their individual characteristics.
Why are sapphires indiscernible?
Because the lab created sapphire has an identical chemical composition to the natural sapphire (Al2O3), they have identical optical and physical properties, which makes them indiscernible from one another to the unaided eye .
Why are lab-created sapphires better than other stones?
Because lab-created sapphires rely on a controlled process of applying minerals, they can be made with less and less noticeable inclusions, for a longer wearing stone with better light refraction and dispersal.
How long does it take for sapphires to grow?
These are the rarest type of sapphire and, takes the longest to grow. It often takes millions of years for conundrum to develop into a pure white sapphire. With such an intriguing history and powerful beauty, it is little wonder that sapphires came into high demand so quickly.
What is sapphire made of?
A sapphire is a precious gemstone made of the mineral corundum, or aluminum oxide (Al2O3) . It’s formed by volcanic processes in rock deep in the earth under high temperature, high-pressure conditions.
How is sapphire formed?
It’s formed by volcanic processes in rock deep in the earth under high temperature, high-pressure conditions. When the hot rock begins to coo. . l, crystallization occurs. This is when the coloration of the sapphire occurs. As the sapphire takes on its crystal structure, impurities leak in.
Why is imitation bad?
One of the problems with imitation is that it never seems to quite hold up when compared to the real thing. Attempts to recreate the sapphire in a lab often ended in coming up short; simulants just didn’t compare, and synthetics were easy to spot as synthetic.
How many sapphires are there in a 12x10?
The colors range from a medium ("denim") blue to deep Kashmir blue. There are 16 15 14 sapphires available in this size. Price shown is per gemstone. The average weight is 7.31 ct. Priced at $32/ct. These are very nice gems!
How much does a 7mm sapphire weigh?
These are very nice gems in a range of colors. The average weight is 1.67 ct., priced at $32/ct. The price shown is per gemstone.
What is the average carat weight of a Kashmir blue sapphire?
These lab grown Kashmir-blue gems are faceted in a 11x9mm cut-corner radiant cut. The average carat weight at this size is 5.40 ct, priced at $32/ct. There are now 14 of these stones available. The price shown is per each.
How many 14x10 sapphires are there?
26214. 14x10 mm rectangle. There are 12 11 available 14x10 mm rectangular blue sapphires in a Kashmir-blue color tone (most are Kashmir-blue throughout, some medium blue, and 2 are Kashmir-blue in the center of the stone and medium light blue at the long edges).
How much does a 19 18 17 16 11 sapphire weigh?
The average weight of these 19 18 17 16 11 Portuguese brilliant flower cut, 9mm round blue created sapphires is 3.48 ct. They range from a deep Kashmir blue color to a nice, lighter blue. Priced at $32/ct., and the price shown is per gemstone.
What color is a Kashmir blue gem?
Most of the gems are Kashmir blue (left in photo), while a few of them are medium light blue with darker color tone at the center of the stone (right in photo).
How many blue lab sapphire trillions are there?
There are three two 12 mm Portuguese brilliant flower cut blue lab sapphire trillions available. One is a very light blue, and two are one is a medium Kashmir blue with excellent clarity and very nice sparkle. One of these gems would make a gorgeous pendant.
