Synthetic Minerals

This emerald was grown with a small "seed" in a controlled environment, slowly developing into a large crystal. Compared to an emerald that grew in nature, this cluster of crystals may look "too perfect;" minerals created artificially often have more consistent conditions.

This piece of quartz was also grown from a seed, forming a single large crystal with a distinct rippled surface. Since colorless quartz like this is quite common in nature, there is little incentive to grow more of it.

In contrast to the crystal growth of the emerald, this synthetic corundum is grown in round "boules". They still have the same internal structure, and could be cut into a ruby or sapphire gem.

Synthesizing minerals can make abnormal properties more accessible; at 73.7 carats, a bright pink corundum gem this large would be an extremely rare find! Synthetics often have fewer inclusions and flaws than mined gems, which can make them more desirable.

As with silicon, aluminum as a metal does not occur naturally, and it is not a mineral. These metals have a defined crystal structure, and meet all other qualifications of minerals, but are only manmade.

This gem is not a diamond, nor a mineral at all! Cubic Zirconia does not occur in nature, but it is often used as an inexpensive substitute for diamond gems due to its brilliance.

A wide variety of minerals are synthesized for a variety of purposes. Spinel is a desirable mineral for gems, and synthesizing it creates a much larger supply and color variety of spinel gemstones.

As corundum has a hexagonal structure, inclusions along its planes of symmetry can create a star-like glimmer when light shines on a gem. This does occur in nature, but this sapphire was synthesized with these inclusions, giving it the same visual effect.