Man Made Alexandrite
US $399.00
Since many of the most popular gemstones are so expensive, there is always a strong market for stones that look the same but cost much less. Especially in large sizes the costs of the most popular natural gemstones are prohibitive for the average consumer.
Manmade gemstone imitators can be classified as simulants or synthetics. A simulant looks like and may be used in place of a gemstone but does not share any of the chemical or physical properties with that gemstone. Conversely, a synthetic is a manmade gemstone with the same appearance, chemical formula, and crystallographic structure as the natural gemstone it is imitating.
Synthetic and simulated gemstones are accepted and popular in certain segments of the market and much of this may also be due to the recognition of these gemstones for their own merits and not just as substitutes for natural gemstones. Even people that can afford the natural product often like synthetics because they look great and are affordably priced. They may also be more comfortable wearing them because they don´t have to worry much about theft. In the case of alexandrite, the synthetic version is not only much more affordable, but it is actually available in a variety of calibrated sizes and shapes which could never be offered in natural stones.
Knowing the difference between a synthetic and a natural alexandrite requires both experience and knowledge but most impostors are easy to spot. In the case of alexandrite, the size and the clarity of a stone are important clues in the determination of its origin. Since large clean alexandrites are so rare in nature, it is unlikely that a large stone offered for a few dollars in a pawn shop or on a beach or a street corner by a native seller could ever be a natural alexandrite.
Tagged with: alexandrite • gems • jewelry • synthetic
Filed under: alexandrite
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