Post subject: Re: Simulated Vs Synthetic--Difference
Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 7:47 pm
Gemology Online Royal Princess
Joined: Mon Oct 17, 2005 10:56 am Posts: 6461 Location: The frozen north prairie :-/
A synthetic gemstone is one that is chemically identical to a natural gemstone, just created in a lab.
A simulated gemstone can be any substance being used to represent another gemstone, i.e., cubic zirconia, a created substance, simulates a diamond, but so too can a natural zircon or natural spinel simulate (pretend to be) a diamond.
How well a product simulates another depends on many factors -
What gemstone is being represented?
Does the color properly represent those found in the natural item?
How close to the RI is the substitute material?
I hope this helps a bit .
_________________ IIJA Registered Gemologist GIA Graduate Gemologist
Last edited by Barbara O. Ellis on Wed Feb 08, 2012 12:37 am, edited 1 time in total.
Post subject: Re: Simulated Vs Synthetic--Difference
Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2012 7:46 am
Gold Member
Joined: Thu May 29, 2008 8:32 am Posts: 1730 Location: Suwanee, GA US
My favorite example is Alexandrite. There is a corundum simulant, and a synthetic (Alexandrite is a chrysoberyl). That highlights that the corundum is the simulant and helps sort of organize the difference in your head.
Artificial refers to man made...fake refers to something represented as something else. White sapphire represented as diamond is a fake diamond. Synthetic diamond is an artificial diamond. Simple. Everything is real, after all, unless it is imaginary. Using language that is clearly understood by most people is the goal of good communication. Using language that confuses most people should be avoided.
Post subject: Re: Simulated Vs Synthetic--Difference
Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2012 10:36 pm
Site Admin
Joined: Sun Oct 16, 2005 12:22 pm Posts: 21602 Location: San Francisco
Although your argument can make sense to both a novice and a pro, you are using terms which are not "gemologically" preferred when describing gems, Richard.
Artificial and fake are words I might use when describing a leatherette chair or Lady Gaga's eyelashes.
I understand. Sometimes the "gemologically" prefered terms seem an obfuscation. Such as using "saturation" when color-intensity is really ment. Or denying the existence of "pink". The fact that every beginner has a difficult time with these terms, that have been adopted (or redefined) by gemology, shows the very akwardness of the definitions. I love gemology; have been at it 31 years. After grad school I expected the GIA (in residence) to be intense...but found the lectures more geared to a 10th grade education (the lab was challenging). The FGA title didn't inspire me more than the GG. Nevertheless, I love the field; mostly because it is one of continuing education. We are the step-children of minerologists and crystolographers; always attempting to make ourselves "scientists". We use a vocabulary that we have made our own; one which often confuses the general public, as well as those learning the trade.
Post subject: Re: Simulated Vs Synthetic--Difference
Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2012 1:06 am
Valued Contributor
Joined: Wed Oct 22, 2008 5:00 am Posts: 344 Location: Finland
Richard, of course you are entitled to have your own advanced opinions about terminology after 31 years, but this is beginners only section. Each of the terms mentioned here has distinct universally accepted description in gemology. It's not only matter of 'science' or 'not science' but important for communication between dealers and consumer protection (actually, protection for retailer too).
Let's have a fresh example: Italian law about gemological materials has the terminology included into law. It's not arguable anymore, no matter how many years each has had time to 'rethink' gemology. I like that, it makes the confusing world much simpler.
Mikko, you make a good point. This is a beginner's section. By all means, everyone must learn the definitions as they are presented in your gemological texts, and use them in your exams. I am trying only to explain the differences between synthetic and simulant in a way that helps people understand. It works well for customers and co-workers. Good studying all.
Post subject: Re: Simulated Vs Synthetic--Difference
Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2012 7:55 pm
Established Member
Joined: Wed Feb 15, 2012 5:01 pm Posts: 17
If I did not already know the difference between simulant and synthetic, being new at this, I would be very confused after reading all your comments!!
Simply and non-technically, a synthetic IS what it claims to be, but lab-grown. A simulant can be man-made or natural, but it is not chemically what it is replacing.
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