Crystals and gemstones have long captivated humans for their beauty, rarity, and purported medicinal qualities. But what are they exactly?

Crystals are pure substances whose molecules have been organized in an orderly way, such as rocks, minerals, table salt, or even our bodies. You’ll find crystals everywhere from rocks to minerals to table salt to our bodies themselves! Additionally, gemstones contain either organic bases such as amber or mineral bases like diamonds.

Precious

Gemstones are classic jewelry accessories, often featured in jewelry sets. While gemstones tend to have higher-grade qualities than crystals, not all stones are precious.

Professionals have traditionally classified gemstones into two groups – precious or semi-precious – but these classifications are arbitrary and potentially misleading.

Gemstones can be valued on several physical characteristics: color (and clarity to a lesser degree), cut, unusual optical phenomena within the stone and rarity. Emerald gemstones are prized for their vibrant green hue caused by elements chromium and vanadium; however, to extract one from its host rock it must first be broken free using abrasive equipment which often cracks it; rare examples that remain ‘clean’ are highly valued.

Rubies are known for their vibrant red tones that range from pinks and purples to hues tinged with brown, with rarer crimson shades being the most sought-after gem. Aquamarine, another variety of the beryl mineral family, is another gem with green tints when heated; making this precious gemstone truly one of a kind.

Lab-grown

Lab-created stones, also referred to as synthetic, man-made or cultured gemstones, follow a process similar to that which occurs beneath the earth with natural gems but in less time and at an affordable price point. Lab-produced gems can be just as stunning and long-wearing while being more cost effective!

Laboratory-created gems begin their creation with a small seed crystal or substrate as their starting point, using advanced technology to replicate geological conditions that form natural gemstones over time and then grow the gem over a period of time.

Creation methods for gemstones may vary, with flame fusion being one of the more popular choices. This technique involves heating powdered material until it melts, before cooling the newly created stone back down to take its final form. Laboratory-created gems typically undergo stringent quality controls and certification by respected gemological labs to give consumers confidence in their authenticity and value.

Treatments

Gemstones may be treated to enhance their appearance, stability and durability. Coatings may also be applied to enhance colors or provide smoother finishes. While some treatments are permanent in nature, others can be short-lived or easily reversed with normal jewelry use; typically responsible sellers disclose any potential gemstone enhancements to buyers.

Fracture filling refers to the practice of concealing surface-reaching fractures or cracks in gemstones with glass, resin, oil or wax to create an opaque appearance and make the stone appear more transparent. Emerald and ruby stones often undergo fracture filling treatments while it can also be done on diamond, quartz and sapphire gems. Unfortunately this treatment is not permanent as heat, air pressure changes and certain household cleaners may damage it over time.

Some treatments are considered non-authentic because they alter a gem’s natural state and therefore invalidate its authenticity, while others such as heating to color blue aquamarine may have little to no price impact.

Origins

Gemstones have long been an essential component of human culture. Prized by rulers and commoners alike, gems have long been revered for their ability to bring luck, good fortune and protection.

Origins of gemstones often stem from ancient myths. One such tale involves amethyst, for which its story describes how Bacchus, god of wine and conviviality, was angered at an insult to him and threatened revenge against Diana as she protected maiden Amethyst from being crushed underfoot by Bacchus’ anger by turning her into a beautiful stone to shield her. Over time however, when exposed to air exposure Amethyst turned purple-tinged stone that still characterizes today’s amethyst stones.

Crystals are molecularly crystalline substances; only rare and precious minerals qualify as gemstones. Even though all gemstones formally share an identical atomic structure, their appearance differs due to varying chemistry or impurities present within them; the differences can often be difficult or impossible to detect without special tools.