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Natural, Synthetic, and Simulant Gemstones
Gemstones, minerals that are treasured for their beauty and durability. There are three types of gemstones: Natural, Synthetic, and Simulant.
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Information on gemstones provided in part by: The International Colored Gemstone Association, The United States Geological Survey & by Private Individuals. |
| The Natural Gemstones include minerals used as faceting, lapidary, or carving rough, and specimen. Natural gemstones also include organic materials such as amber, coral, fossil, ivory, mother of pearl, natural and cultured freshwater pearls, and natural saltwater pearls |
| Synthetic Gemstones produced in the United States include alexandrite, coral, diamond, emerald, garnet, lapis lazuli, quartz, ruby, sapphire, spinel, and turquoise. Laboratory grown simulants have an appearance similar to that of a natural gemstone but have different optical, physical, and chemical properties. Laboratory grown synthetic gemstones have essentially the same appearance, optical, physical, and chemical properties as the natural material that they represent. |
| The Gemstone Simulants produced in the United States include coral, cubic zirconia, lapis lazuli, malachite, and turquoise. Additionally, certain colors of synthetic sapphire and spinel, used to represent other gemstones, would be classed as simulants. Colored and colorless varieties of cubic zirconia are the major simulants produced. |
| Learn about each Semi-Precious Gemstone: pictures, care, treatments, where it is mined, products, and gemstone lore. Matching eye color, favorite clothes or favorite colors is a great way to pick out gifts. Here is a list of Gemstones by Color to help you. |
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