Precious and Semi-precious Gemstones:Natural and Artificial

Abstract

Gemstones are a matter of enigma and speculation from time immemorial. The extraordinary and satiated colors of many gems enhance their aesthetic beauty, while others yield extraordinary fire, birefringence or other unique light displays. The first discovery of gemstone, thus, can be marked as an important event in evolution. Man's ever-increasing quench for gemstones, however, failed to keep pace with the expensive cost of these substances of timeless treasure. Thus, the process of manufacturing synthetic gemstones stepped into the scenario. Now, besides natural gemstones, synthetic gemstones also cover a large sector of global market. Synthetic stones, however, will always be different from the natural ones. Hence one should definitely have a thorough knowledge about the processes by which synthetics are formed and the ways which distinguish them from the natural ones.