Natural vs. Synthetic, Artificial, Imitation Gemstones

Natural / Genuine

Stones that occurs naturally which have not been alter by human (except for faceting and polishing), such as rocks and minerials. Organic gemstones are consider as natural gemstons.

Organic

These stones are produced by living organisms, such as amber, pearls, coral and shell.

Synthetic

These stones are created by man-made process. Stones that have identical chemical composition and physical properties as genuine stones.

Simulant

Stones that have the same appearance of genuine stones.

Artificial

Stones that have the same appearance of genuine stones. These stones are made-out of glass, plastic, or other non-genuine stone.

Imitation

Stones that have similar appearance of genuine stones but their chemical composition and physical properties are different from genuine gemstones.