random question Options

[aggum1983]

I couldn't find a topic on this, but when you are at a gem store, how do you know if a specimen is real or grown in a lab? I was at a store in Boulder and the lady said that the opal jewelry was synthetic. That made me think, what else could be synthetic? I would assume that they would be obligated to say that they aren't real, but just in case they are exactly honest, is there a quick way to tell?

[Dave S.]

The answer to your question is "it depends on the stone".

Many "real" opals are cut thin, then they place polished quartz over it with glues, these are sold as opal "triplets" named for the 3 layers.

Many other types of stones are truly synthetic and made of plastics, ceramics, or glass.

However "lab created" stones are usually the same chemical makeup as a natural stone, so they have almost identical physical properties (including gravity). But most lab created stones look "too perfect".

Most natural stones have imperfections that you can usually see with a bit of magnification (I use a x15 loupe).

Another set of factors to consider are "altered" or "treated" stones. These are natural stones that have been heated, irradiated, glued, dyed, or some other treatments to make a more colorful stone, or a better looking stone. Some of these treatments also can clear up natural "foggy" stones to look more clear of flaws.

It takes some experience to start spotting these fake or altered gems. The best way, is to get out there and start looking at all of them, and get used to the "look" of these and natural stones.

I hope this helps ya!