Fake emeralds are commonly known as emerald simulants or synthetic emeralds, depending on their composition and origin. While both are not natural emeralds, they differ significantly in their properties and how they are created.
Understanding "Fake" Emeralds
When people refer to "fake emeralds," they typically mean two distinct categories of stones that imitate the appearance of a natural emerald: emerald simulants and synthetic emeralds. It's crucial to understand the difference between these types to make informed decisions, especially when purchasing jewelry.
Emerald Simulants: Looks Without the Substance
Emerald simulants are materials that look like an emerald but do not share any of its physical or chemical properties. They are entirely different substances that merely mimic the visual characteristics—primarily the green color and transparency—of a genuine emerald. These can be natural stones of a different type or man-made materials.
Common examples of emerald simulants include:
- Green Glass: One of the most basic simulants, often easily identifiable by its lower hardness and lack of natural inclusions.
- Green Cubic Zirconia (CZ): A popular diamond simulant that can be colored green to imitate emeralds.
- Green Garnet (e.g., Demantoid or Tsavorite): These are natural gemstones that can have an intense green color, but their chemical composition and crystal structure are different from emeralds.
- Peridot: A natural yellowish-green gemstone that can sometimes be mistaken for lighter emeralds.
- Green Tourmaline: Another natural gemstone with a wide range of green hues that can resemble emerald.
- Dyed Chalcedony or Quartz: Inexpensive stones that are often dyed green to pass as emeralds.
Synthetic Emeralds: Man-Made but Identical
Synthetic emeralds, on the other hand, are man-made emeralds. Unlike simulants, they are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural emeralds. They possess the same chemical composition (beryl) and crystal structure as their natural counterparts, but they are grown in a laboratory rather than formed in the Earth.
The primary methods for creating synthetic emeralds are:
- Hydrothermal Growth: This process mimics the natural conditions under which emeralds form, using high pressure and temperature to grow crystals from a solution. These synthetics often contain characteristic "nail-head" inclusions or growth patterns.
- Flux Growth: In this method, emerald crystals grow slowly from a molten solution (flux) at high temperatures. Flux-grown emeralds typically exhibit distinct flux inclusions, appearing like tiny veils or wisps.
Because synthetic emeralds share the same properties as natural ones, distinguishing them often requires specialized gemological equipment and expertise.
Distinguishing Between Natural, Synthetic, and Simulant Emeralds
Understanding the differences is critical for jewelers, collectors, and consumers. Here's a quick comparison:
| Type | Origin | Chemical/Physical Properties | Common Visual Characteristics | Value Relative to Natural |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Emerald | Earth | Beryl (Be3Al2Si6O18), hardness 7.5-8 on Mohs scale | Unique "jardin" (garden) inclusions, varying green hues, often imperfect | Highest, based on quality |
| Synthetic Emerald | Laboratory | Beryl (Be3Al2Si6O18), hardness 7.5-8 on Mohs scale | Fewer, different types of inclusions (e.g., "nail-head," flux wisps), often clearer and more vibrant | Moderate |
| Emerald Simulant | Varies | Varies (e.g., glass, quartz, CZ), different hardness | Can look similar, but lacks emerald's specific optical and physical properties | Lowest |
Identifying an emerald as natural, synthetic, or a simulant typically requires evaluation by a professional gemologist. They use tools like microscopes, refractometers, and spectrographs to analyze internal characteristics, refractive index, specific gravity, and other properties. For more information on emerald characteristics and identification, you can refer to resources from reputable organizations like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
Why Differentiate?
The primary reason to differentiate between natural, synthetic, and simulant emeralds is their impact on value. Natural emeralds, particularly high-quality ones, command significantly higher prices due to their rarity and natural origin. Synthetic emeralds are more affordable alternatives, offering the same beauty and durability without the high cost. Emerald simulants are the least expensive and do not offer the same intrinsic value or prestige. Knowing what you are purchasing ensures you are paying a fair price for the item's true nature.
