What’s the difference between a gemstone born in nature and one crafted in a lab? You might be surprised how similar they are—and how both carry unique energies for healing. From dazzling man-made creations to enhanced natural stones, these treasures hold beauty, energy, and a fascinating story. Let’s explore their origins, uses, and healing properties.

For Shop Owners: Imagine being able to explain the fascinating origins and treatments of your gemstones to customers, giving them confidence in their purchase and setting your store apart.

Synthetic Vs. Enhanced Gemstones

Simply put, synthetic gemstones are created in laboratories. Several variations of the term "synthetic" are used interchangeably in the gem trade (e.g., artificial, lab-grown, or man-made), but all of them refer to gems synthesized in a controlled lab environment rather than in nature.

Often, synthetic gemstones are made by using the same ingredients found in natural stones and mimicking natural conditions. Some synthetic gems share the same chemical, physical, and optical characteristics as their natural counterparts. Both may also contain similar flaws and mineral inclusions.

Common Synthetic Gem Processes

1. Flame Fusion (Verneuil Process): Melting powdered chemicals through a high-temperature flame. Molten particles are collected and crystallized into a gem.
2. Flux Growth: Dissolving components of the desired gemstone in a solvent. As the solution cools, synthetic crystals begin to form.
3. Crystal Pulling (Czochralski Process): Nutrients are melted in a crucible. A crystal seed is dipped into the melt and slowly pulled away, growing a single crystal.
4. Hydrothermal Growth: Imitating the heat and pressure conditions of the Earth to form gems. Nutrients are dissolved in water, and synthetic crystals form as the solution cools.

Enhanced gemstones, on the other hand, are natural crystals treated to alter or improve their color, clarity, durability, and wearability. Enhancements and treatments occur after the gems are formed and extracted. It’s important to note that human-enhanced gemstones aren’t synthetic stones, just as synthetic stones aren’t necessarily enhanced gemstones.

Common Gem Enhancement Processes

1. Heating: Lightens, deepens, or alters a gemstone’s color.
2. Irradiation: Treats a gem with ionizing radiation to change its optical properties, such as color.
3. Dyeing: Adds color to a gemstone, commonly used on non-transparent stones.
4. Bleaching: Lightens or boosts the consistency of a gem’s color.
5. Oiling: Fills cracks or fissures in gemstones with oil or resin to make them less visible.
6. Coating: Covers a gem with a thin film to increase iridescence or alter its color.

Are Artificial Gem Production Methods and Enhancements Acceptable?

Absolutely! Both are widely accepted practices in the gem industry.

Some natural gemstones are prized for their exceptional beauty, durability, and rarity. Synthetic versions of these scarce stones help meet market demands. Synthetic gems’ availability allows consumers a wide range of choices, letting you select stones based on need, preference, and intent.

Enhancements and treatments have been around for centuries. Some gemstones wouldn’t exist without these innovations, such as blue and purple Tanzanite, which naturally have a yellowish-brown hue but yield a violet-blue color when heated.

Synthetic and enhanced gems are often more affordable than their natural counterparts. In many cases, they can also be clearer and contain fewer inclusions due to refinement during production or treatment.

No matter the stone species, you can trust that these gemstones are durable and widely available.

Popular Man-Made and Enhanced Gemstones

Here’s an expanded look at popular synthetic and enhanced stones, along with ways to identify enhancements and man-made features:

Man-Made Gemstones

1. Goldstone: Created by melting copper oxide, borax, and silica in a controlled environment. The mixture is cooled slowly to form glittery, aventurine-like particles, giving Goldstone its characteristic sparkle.
2. Aqua Aura Quartz: Formed by heating Quartz crystals to 1,600°F in a vacuum chamber and infusing them with gold vapor. The gold atoms bond with the Quartz surface, creating an iridescent blue sheen.
3. Rainbow Amethyst: Amethyst crystals are coated with titanium and gold using a vapor deposition process. The metallic layer creates a shimmering, rainbow-like iridescence.
4. Silicon Carbide (Carborundum): Produced by combining silica sand and carbon in an electric furnace at temperatures between 2,910°F and 4,530°F. As it cools, it forms rainbow-hued, pyramid-like crystals.
5. Opalite: Made from molten glass infused with trace elements. Its translucency and glowing blue effect under certain lighting are the result of controlled cooling processes.
6. Citrine (heat treated amethyst): The most common citrine, accepted and seen on most crystal shops. Produced by heating natural Amethyst or sometimes Smoky Quartz to temperatures between 800°F and 1,200°F. The heat alters the iron content, transforming the purple or smoky hues into golden yellows and oranges. 
7. Synthetic Spinel: Manufactured using the flame fusion process. It often displays intense colors and exceptional clarity that distinguish it from natural Spinel.
8. Synthetic Sapphire: Created via the Verneuil process, where alumina powder is melted and solidified into flawless crystals with vivid colors.
9. Synthetic Emerald: Grown in hydrothermal chambers, mimicking the Earth’s natural processes. These emeralds are chemically and optically identical to natural ones.
10. Cubic Zirconia: Formed by heating powdered zirconium dioxide to high temperatures. The resulting crystals are cut and polished to resemble diamonds.

Enhanced Gemstones

1. Blue Topaz: Irradiated and heated to produce vivid blue hues like Swiss Blue or London Blue.
2. Amethyst: Heated to lighten purple or change it to green (Prasiolite).
3. Quartz: Dyed or coated for vibrant colors.
4. Agate: Dyed by boiling the stone in a bicarbonate solution, then soaking it in chemical baths to produce a variety of vibrant colors and patterns. Most of the bright colours like pink, purple, green are dyed.
5. Tiger’s Eye: Enhanced with dyes to create colors like blue (Hawk’s Eye).
6. Emerald: Oiled to fill cracks and improve clarity.
7. Lapis Lazuli: Dyed to enhance its deep blue hue.
8. Moonstone: Low-level heating enhances adularescence.
9. Jade: Dyed for intense greens or treated for uniformity.
10. Chalcedony: Dyed in vibrant shades for jewelry and decoration.

Do Man-Made and Human-Enhanced Crystals Carry Healing Vibrations?

One common question among crystal enthusiasts is whether man-made or human-enhanced crystals retain their healing properties. The answer is a resounding yes! While their appearance may have been altered or artificially created, the core material—and thus its energetic vibrations—remains intact. Here’s how some popular man-made and enhanced crystals can still be powerful tools for healing and metaphysical work:

1. Citrine (Heated Amethyst)

• How It’s Made: Amethyst is heated to high temperatures to alter its natural purple hue into golden yellow or orange tones. The process modifies the iron content, creating Citrine.
• Healing Properties: Citrine is renowned for its ability to attract abundance, prosperity, and joy. Even when created by heating Amethyst, the transformation enhances its solar energy qualities, making it a stone of warmth and positivity.
• How to Use: Place Citrine in your workspace to promote creativity or carry it in your pocket to attract good fortune.

2. Howlite (Dyed)

• How It’s Made: Howlite, a naturally porous white stone, is soaked in dyes to create vibrant colors, such as turquoise blue. The dye penetrates the stone’s structure, producing uniform coloration.
• Healing Properties: Natural Howlite is known for its calming and stress-relieving properties. When dyed, it retains its grounding energy while adding the aesthetic of a different color vibration, such as the soothing energy of blue.
• How to Use: Hold dyed Howlite during meditation to enhance inner peace or use it as a stylish talisman for emotional balance.

3. Aqua Aura Quartz

• How It’s Made: Clear Quartz is heated in a vacuum chamber and exposed to gold vapor. The gold atoms bond to the Quartz surface, creating a permanent iridescent blue finish.
• Healing Properties: This man-made crystal enhances the communication and throat chakra energy of natural Quartz. Its iridescence amplifies its ability to encourage honest communication and spiritual connection.
• How to Use: Wear Aqua Aura Quartz as a necklace to strengthen your voice or keep it near during meditation for heightened clarity.

4. Goldstone

• How It’s Made: Goldstone is produced by melting copper oxide, silica, and other minerals at high temperatures. The mixture is cooled slowly, allowing copper crystals to form, which create its glittery appearance.
• Healing Properties: Goldstone, though synthetic, carries a powerful energy of ambition and confidence. The copper particles embedded in its structure resonate with the sacral chakra, inspiring motivation and vitality.
• How to Use: Carry Goldstone to boost your confidence during challenges or place it in your workspace to encourage productivity.

5. Dyed Agate

• How It’s Made: Agate is immersed in chemical solutions after being boiled in a bicarbonate bath. Different chemicals produce various vibrant colors.
• Healing Properties: Agate maintains its grounding and stabilizing energy despite dyeing. The added colors can enhance specific chakra alignments based on the hues applied.
• How to Use: Use dyed Agate for decorative purposes or during chakra work to target specific energies.

6. Rainbow Amethyst

• How It’s Made: Created through a vapor deposition process where Amethyst is coated with metals like titanium and gold. The metallic coating gives it a shimmering, rainbow-like appearance.
• Healing Properties: The natural energy of Amethyst—promoting peace and spiritual growth—is amplified by the reflective coating, which enhances its aura-cleansing abilities.
• How to Use: Place Rainbow Amethyst in areas where energy cleansing is needed or use it as a focus stone during meditation.

Man-made and enhanced crystals are not only beautiful but also powerful tools for energy work. The treatments and enhancements may alter their outward appearance, but their innate properties and metaphysical vibrations remain potent and effective for those who seek their guidance.

10 Ways to Identify Enhanced or Man-Made Stones

1. Overly Vibrant Colors

• What to Look For: Bright, unnatural shades like neon pink or blue.
• Examples: Dyed Agate, Dyed Howlite.

2. Uneven Color Distribution

• What to Look For: Dye collects in cracks or pores, visible under light.
• Examples: Dyed Jade, Dyed Quartz.

3. Lack of Inclusions

• What to Look For: Flawless stones that seem “too perfect.”
• Examples: Synthetic Spinel, Synthetic Quartz.

4. Surface Peeling or Coating

• What to Look For: Peeling or uneven coating on the surface.
• Examples: Coated Quartz, Mystic Topaz.

5. Flash Effect in Cracks

• What to Look For: Rainbow-like flashes in fracture-filled stones.
• Examples: Fracture-Filled Emeralds.

6. Unnaturally Intense Transparency

• What to Look For: Glass-like clarity not typical for the stone.
• Examples: Synthetic Rose Quartz.

7. Visible Growth Lines or Bubbles

• What to Look For: Curved lines or gas bubbles in synthetic stones.
• Examples: Synthetic Ruby, Synthetic Sapphire.

8. Unnatural Color Combinations

• What to Look For: Colors that don’t occur naturally in the stone.
• Examples: Dyed Tiger’s Eye, Dyed Lapis Lazuli.

9. Consistently Uniform Color

• What to Look For: No color zoning or natural variation.
• Examples: Irradiated Blue Topaz.

10. High Gloss or Artificial Finish

• What to Look For: Excessive shine or a plastic-like appearance.
• Examples: Coated Quartz, Synthetic Opal.

Conclusion: Buy from a Trusted Source

Do you carry man-made crystals in your shop? 

Whatever type of stones you decide to purchase, make sure you get them from a reputable shop. Look for suppliers who disclose information about their products, including whether they are natural, synthetic, or enhanced. At StoneBridge Imports, we’ve been trusted by crystal healers, small businesses, and craft makers for over 20 years.

Our loyal customers love us for our honesty, exceptional product line, and prompt customer service. Start your gem shopping today by browsing our collection! You can also send us a message if you have gem-related questions.

 

Sources:

     The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (n.d.). *Verneuil Process.* Britannica. Accessed at https://www.britannica.com/topic/Verneuil-process

     Elwell, D. (1989). *Crystal Growth in Science and Technology.* Springer Link. Accessed at https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-1-4613-0549-1 

     *Czochralski Process* (n.d.). PVA TePla. Accessed at https://www.pvatepla-cgs.com/en/technologies/czochralski-process-cz/