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Understanding the differences between lab-grown and natural emeralds to help you make an informed choice for your jewellery.
Both lab-grown and natural emeralds are real emeralds with identical chemical composition (Be₃Al₂(SiO₃)₆). The key differences lie in their origin, appearance characteristics, and environmental impact.
| Characteristic | Natural Emeralds | Lab-Grown Emeralds |
|---|---|---|
| Formation Process | Formed deep within the Earth's crust over millions of years under extreme heat and pressure | Created in controlled laboratory environments using advanced technology in weeks to months |
| Chemical Composition | Beryllium aluminium silicate (Be₃Al₂(SiO₃)₆) | Identical: Beryllium aluminium silicate (Be₃Al₂(SiO₃)₆) |
| Growing Method | Natural geological processes | Hydrothermal or flux growth methods |
| Time to Form | Millions of years | Several weeks to months |
| Property | Natural Emeralds | Lab-Grown Emeralds |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 7.5-8 on Mohs scale | 7.5-8 on Mohs scale (identical) |
| Refractive Index | 1.577-1.583 | 1.577-1.583 (identical) |
| Specific Gravity | 2.67-2.78 | 2.67-2.78 (identical) |
| Lustre | Vitreous (glass-like) | Vitreous (identical) |
| Crystal System | Hexagonal | Hexagonal (identical) |
| Feature | Natural Emeralds | Lab-Grown Emeralds |
|---|---|---|
| Colour | Wide range from light to deep green; colour can vary significantly between stones | More consistent, vivid green colour; highly controlled and uniform |
| Clarity | Typically contains natural inclusions known as 'jardin' (French for garden); eye-clean stones are exceptionally rare | Generally higher clarity with fewer inclusions; eye-clean stones more readily available |
| Inclusions | Three-phase inclusions (liquid, gas, crystal), fingerprint patterns, natural fissures | May show characteristic growth patterns; typically cleaner with fewer natural-type inclusions |
| Durability | Durable but can be brittle due to natural inclusions and fissures | Often more durable in practice due to fewer structural weaknesses |
| Size Availability | Large, high-quality stones are extremely rare | Larger sizes with excellent quality more readily available |
| Factor | Natural Emeralds | Lab-Grown Emeralds |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Impact | Mining can cause habitat disruption, soil erosion, deforestation, and water pollution | Minimal environmental footprint; no mining or land disruption required |
| Carbon Footprint | Higher due to mining operations, processing, and global transportation | Significantly lower; controlled production with efficient energy use |
| Water Usage | Substantial water consumption in mining and processing | Minimal water usage in controlled laboratory settings |
| Ethical Sourcing | Requires careful verification of ethical mining practices and fair labour conditions | 100% traceable origin; no conflict or labour exploitation concerns |
| Resource Sustainability | Finite natural resource; deposits are being depleted | Sustainable; can be produced on demand without depleting natural resources |
| Aspect | Natural Emeralds | Lab-Grown Emeralds |
|---|---|---|
| Identification | Requires professional gemological testing to verify authenticity and origin | Requires advanced testing to distinguish from natural; shows characteristic growth patterns under magnification |
| Certification Bodies | GIA, IGI, GCS, and other internationally recognised laboratories | Same certification bodies; clearly disclosed as laboratory-grown |
| Certificate Disclosure | Certified as 'Natural'; includes origin, treatments, and enhancements | Clearly marked as 'Laboratory-Grown', 'Laboratory-Created', or 'Synthetic' |
| Transparency | Origin and any treatments (oils, resins) must be disclosed | Complete transparency; production method and any treatments fully documented |
| Traceability | Can be traced to mining region; specific mine traceability varies | Fully traceable to specific laboratory and production batch |
| Factor | Natural Emeralds | Lab-Grown Emeralds |
|---|---|---|
| Rarity | Genuinely rare; fine-quality stones increasingly scarce | Not rare; can be produced as needed |
| Availability | Limited by natural deposits; supply constraints | Readily available; consistent supply |
| Uniqueness | Each stone is completely unique with distinctive inclusions | More uniform; individual stones less distinctive |
| Historical Significance | Treasured throughout history; worn by royalty and collectors | Modern innovation; represents technological advancement |
Yes, absolutely. Lab-grown emeralds have the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical properties as natural emeralds. They are real emeralds, just created in a laboratory rather than mined from the earth.
Generally no. Lab-grown emeralds often appear cleaner and more vibrant, but professional gemological equipment is required to definitively distinguish between natural and lab-grown emeralds.
Lab-grown emeralds typically offer superior clarity and more consistent colour. However, 'better' depends on your priorities—some value the natural character and rarity of mined emeralds, whilst others prefer the perfection and ethics of lab-grown stones.
Yes. Lab-grown emeralds have identical hardness and durability to natural emeralds. With proper care, both will last for generations.
Both natural and lab-grown emeralds are genuine emeralds with identical physical and optical properties. Your choice ultimately depends on your personal values and what you prioritise in your jewellery:
We offer both natural and lab-grown emeralds, each certified and guaranteed for quality. Our gemstone experts are here to help you choose the perfect emerald that aligns with your values and preferences.
Contact our specialists for personalised advice and to view our collection
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