What is the Difference Between Natural and Lab Created Emeralds?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between natural and lab-created emeralds lies in their formation process and the factors that contribute to their value. Here are the key differences between the two:
- Formation: Natural emeralds are formed when elements like beryllium bubble up from the earth's crust into hydrothermal veins, while lab-created emeralds are grown in a controlled environment, usually by applying high pressure and temperature to a mixture of emerald components, water, and other substances.
- Rarity: Natural emeralds are rare and hard to come by, making them more expensive and highly desirable. Lab-created emeralds, on the other hand, are more readily available and less expensive.
- Color and Saturation: Natural emeralds often have more color variations and uniqueness, while lab-created emeralds tend to have a more standardized appearance.
- Inclusions: Lab-created emeralds usually have fewer inclusions (blemishes or foreign materials) than natural emeralds.
- Value: Natural emeralds are considered more valuable than lab-created emeralds due to their rarity and the details associated with their natural formation.
- Durability: Lab-created emeralds are generally more durable than natural emeralds, although both have a hardness rating of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale and are suitable for daily wear.
In summary, lab-created emeralds offer a more affordable and accessible alternative to natural emeralds, with a more standardized appearance and better durability. However, natural emeralds retain their value and exclusivity due to their rarity and unique formation process. The choice between natural and lab-created emeralds ultimately depends on personal preferences, budget, and desired characteristics.
Comparative Table: Natural vs Lab Created Emeralds
The main differences between natural and lab-created emeralds are their origin, clarity, and value. Here is a comparison table highlighting these differences:
Property | Natural Emeralds | Lab-Created Emeralds |
---|---|---|
Origin | Mined from the earth | Created in a laboratory |
Clarity | Typically contain more inclusions or visual variations due to minerals within the gemstone | Tend to be free of inclusions, making them appear more clean and less blemished |
Value | More expensive and valuable due to their rarity | Less expensive and less valuable because they are not considered authentic and are fabricated in a lab |
Appearance | Almost identical to lab-created emeralds in chemical composition and similar in appearance | May have color and saturation variations that can be detected by the eye alone |
Both natural and lab-created emeralds have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties. However, lab-created emeralds are not considered authentic and are therefore less valuable than natural emeralds. Natural emeralds are more expensive because they are rare and mined from the earth.
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