Crystals do not appear to contain physical healing properties; however, some believe wearing them may help with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. You should never use crystals as a replacement for medical treatment.

Crystals may be gemstones, but not all gems qualify as crystals (coral pearls and ivory are organic and metamorphic rocks, while soft minerals like gypsum and rock salt fall into this category). Furthermore, certain crystals can also be enhanced through heat or radiation to further increase color or clarity.

Natural

As its name implies, this California shop provides an expansive selection of natural crystals sourced from all around the world. Choose from raw slender quartz points and geodes from Agate Geode, or tumbled stones like Amethyst and Citrine tumbled stones. In addition, HoI provides meditation malas, crystal wands and energy clearing sprays – all perfect tools to assist spiritual healing!

Crystal and gemstone are often confused, yet there are subtle distinctions between them based on their atomic structures. Crystals have an ordered lattice structure while gemstones feature more random arrangements of atoms.

Genuine gemstones, unlike synthetic or imitation crystals, are formed from minerals and offer unique healing properties. Many believe these stones to have spiritual significance as well; this effect can be enhanced when combined with astrology and holistic practices such as yoga. Sodalite stone in particular has long been known for encouraging communication and poetic expression – those looking to combine crystals and astrology should seek out conscious-sourced crystals, since sellers take extra steps to ensure their products are ethically and thoughtfully sourced.

Enhanced

Many natural gemstones undergo some kind of enhancement before being sold into the jewelry trade, with most treatments accepted and accepted by the gem trade. While there may be those who prefer untreated gems due to personal, religious, or philosophical considerations.

There is an extensive range of techniques used to enhance a gem’s color or clarity, some dating back centuries while others more recent.

Heating gemstones is one of the oldest methods used to improve their beauty, with applications for rubies, sapphires and corundum (usually color treated) all benefiting. Heating alters their chemical makeup by redistribution elements within their crystal structures.

Other gem enhancement techniques involve filling surface-reaching fractures or cavities with glass, resin or oil in order to improve clarity – this practice is commonly seen with emeralds, rubies and sapphires – to improve their appearance and stability. This can be very successful at improving both their appearance and stability.

Synthetic

Synthetic gems, commonly used as birthstones, are created in laboratories under conditions meant to mimic those that exist underground. Although lab-created stones may be called lab-made or fake gems, they possess similar chemical composition and optical characteristics as their natural counterparts.

Moissanite, for instance, is an excellent diamond simulant and can be found in jewelry that replicates many gemstone colors. Another good simulant is synthetic spinel, which mimics other natural gemstones such as sapphire and zircon.

Gemologists may find some synthetic gems difficult to detect due to how closely they resemble natural counterparts. For instance, an alexandrite with color-change properties could easily pass for its genuine equivalent were it not clearly marked as doublet. However, various internal characteristics can help differentiate synthetics from their natural cousins.

Lab-Created

As more jewelry shoppers demonstrate an interest in sustainable options, lab-created gemstones have seen a surge in popularity. Also referred to as synthetic or cultured gems, lab grown diamonds, emeralds and rubies often look identical to their natural counterparts; only trained eyes or gemological equipment can tell them apart from natural counterparts. Lab created diamonds should not be confused with simulants (such as moissanite sold as a diamond simulant or green yag sold as an emerald simulant).

Laboratory grown gemstones are created using various crystal growth techniques such as flame fusion, Czochralski crystal growth methods, hydrothermal growth methods and flux. Available in an assortment of shapes, colors and clarity levels to meet the demands of discerning jewelry consumers, lab grown gemstones offer affordability while upholding environmental responsibility.