I’ve decided to just write a short post today, talking about the difference between gemstones that are labeled “natural” and those that are “not enhanced.” I’ve noticed a lot of confusion around these terms , and it’s easy to understand why.
A gemstone termed “natural” is a gemstone that grew via natural processes, usually in the Earth. (Organic gemstones such as pearls, coral, and amber are also natural, but not grown in the Earth.)
The term “not enhanced” means the the gemstone did not undergo any kind of treatment or enhancement to improve its appearance or durability.
A gemstone that was grown naturally, but then dyed or heated to change its color can still be termed “natural,” even though it was enhanced. For example, carnelian is a chalcedony that gets its orange color by undergoing a heating process. Although its color was changed by heating, it can still be called “natural.”
Materials that are not natural gemstones include synthetic gemstones and glass produced to imitate gemstones. Gemstones can be grown in a laboratory with an identical crystal structure and chemistry as a natural gemstone, but it should not be termed natural; these gemstones are called synthetic. (Common synthetic gemstones include hydrothermal quartz and synthetic emerald.) There are also many gemstone imitations that are made of glass that have gemstone-sounding names (for example, cherry quartz and goldstone).
The world of gemstones can indeed be a confusing world. As a consumer, it can be difficult to know what we’re buying with all of the confusing terminology used in the gem trade. Sadly, most gemstone suppliers don’t often seem to know what they’re selling.
That was my short post for today. Please post any questions you have in the comments area below. I love to talk about gemstones and the gem trade.
Coming up in the next week: Opals and Tourmaline!
micheledodge
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