The Growth of Synthetic and Imitation Gems

Abstract

Vemeuil successfully duplicated natural ruby at the tum of the century. Since then, diamond , emerald, blue and other color sapphires, quartz (including the amethyst and citrine varieties), spinel, and chrysoberyl have been added to the list of single crystals used as synthetic gems. Crystals such as rutile, strontium titanate, Y A G, GGG, and cubic zirconia have also been used as diamond imitations. More recently, non-single crystal materials such as opal and turquoise have also been synthesized. The preparation techniques used for these materials are presented with detailed references, together with the properties that make them suitable for gem use. A brief outline of the fundamentals of gems and gemology is included, together with a discussion of possible prospects for the future.