Emeralds, cherished for their deep green hue and captivating allure, have long been a rarity and a treasure among jewelry enthusiasts. However, recent advancements in scientific technology have enabled us to cultivate these beautiful green gemstones in a controlled laboratory environment. Let's delve into what Lab Created emeralds are and the marvel behind this technology.

The Origins of Emeralds

Emeralds, admired for their deep green color and enchanting appearance, have been cherished by jewelry aficionados for centuries. Dating back to around 3500 BC, emeralds were first discovered by the Egyptians in the desert southwest of Cairo. By the time of the 12th Dynasty in ancient Egypt, around 2000 BC, emerald jewelry had become widely worn and treasured.

Emeralds belong to the beryl mineral family and are typically infused with elements such as chromium and vanadium, which give them their rich green hue. The chemical composition of emeralds is Be3Al2[Si6O18], a beryllium aluminum silicate mineral. Their green color is often attributed to chromium or vanadium content, which varies between 0.15% and 0.6%. These gemstones typically exhibit hexagonal columnar crystal shapes, possess a hardness rating of 7.5 to 8, and are brittle. They are unresponsive to acids except hydrofluoric acid. Emeralds from different sources around the world often exhibit subtle variations in physical and optical properties.

Emeralds formed in nature require specific geological conditions and time, making them relatively rare and expensive. Currently, on the international market, gem-quality emeralds ranging from 1 to 4 carats can command prices ranging from $500 to $14,500 per carat, and the supply of high-quality emeralds remains limited.

What is Lab Created Emerald？

Lab Created emeralds allow us to replicate the conditions that naturally form emeralds in a laboratory setting. First, scientists select high-quality emerald crystals or mineral fragments as seeds. They then create a high-temperature, high-pressure environment similar to the conditions found in nature. This typically involves pressures of up to thousands of pounds and high temperatures, along with specific gas mixtures. In this environment, the seeds begin to grow and gradually form into larger gemstones. After approximately six to ten weeks, the cultivated gemstones mature. They are then cut, polished, and crafted into the exquisite jewelry pieces we adore.

High-quality Lab Created emeralds exhibit chemical composition and physical properties consistent with natural emeralds. Their color saturation and clarity rival top-quality natural gemstones, making them indistinguishable to the naked eye. They can only be identified using specialized equipment like mass spectrometers.

Why China is the Largest Producer of Lab Created Emeralds？

Interestingly, the technology for Lab Created gemstones originally had military and aerospace applications. Before the 1960s, the former Soviet Union shared crystal-growing technology with China. Today, Russia and China remain leaders in synthetic crystal research, surpassing even the United States. However, China has commercialized this technology, primarily focusing on the production of synthetic gemstones. Provinces such as Henan and Guangxi boast high-level facilities for Lab Created gemstone cultivation, establishing China as a major hub for Lab Created gem production. Clearly, with the same quality and without the markup of middlemen, Lab Created gemstones from China are more affordable than those from other countries.

Why Choose Lab Created Emeralds？

Colombia is known for producing the world's finest emeralds, accounting for two-thirds of global emerald production. However, starting in 1973, the Colombian government granted mining rights to the entire society, allowing for private ownership of mines. Colombian emerald mines are owned by mine owners and prominent families, some of which have armed forces or even small armies. As emerald production modernized and major mines were acquired by multinational corporations, conflicts over resources led to wars and exacerbated poverty among the local population, as well as severe ecological damage.

Therefore, if you have a penchant for emeralds and desire luxurious emerald jewelry, choosing Lab Created emeralds over natural ones can be a responsible choice. Lab Created gemstone production consumes less energy and has a smaller environmental footprint compared to the extraction of natural gemstones. Not only can it save you money, but it can also contribute to environmental sustainability.