What Is The Difference Between A Natural And A Lab Created Alexandrite?

Summary – Here you tell you how to differentiate between a natural and a lab created alexandrite.

Lab created alexandrite is manufactured by a method known as flame fusion. They are created in such a way that they look like natural gemstones. Although synthetic, these gemstones hold the same chemical properties as of real stones. Besides, they also own the same hardness, density, and appearance like natural alexandrite gemstone. Only a trained gemologist can find out the difference between a lab created and a real alexandrite. 

If you also find difficulty in differentiating the two, here are a few tips.

• A natural alexandrite looks green or azure in daylight. The closer it is to emerald color better is its quality. In warm light or candlelight, the color of a real alexandrite turns to reddish-purple, purple, or bluish lavender. The closer the gem looks to a fine ruby, better is the quality. 
• A real alexandrite is a reflective gem, and if it is scratched across the surface (it is advisable not to do this with your gem), a white streak is formed. A lab created alexandrite looks pinkish in daylight and turns purple in incandescent light. They are not natural mined gems. Some synthetic alexandrite has been found to turn blue or grayish blue in daylight and purple in warm light. Be aware of these so-called ‘real alexandrite.'  
• Natural alexandrite if seen under magnification shows inclusions that are not seen in a lab created alexandrite. Typical inclusions include fine crystals that look like black spots inside the gem, veil-like silky threads all over or a small portion of the gemstone. They even show little elongated tube-like structure. Sometimes, natural alexandrite also show white or clear lines inside it which may resemble like cracks. 
• If color differences are left, any gemstone which contains air bubbles throughout itself is a synthetic stone. Besides, a lab created alexandrite shows dusty appearance within it. If majority of streaks travel in same direction, it indicates created alexandrite. If a synthetic gem is placed on its side on a sheet of white paper, it shows strong color bands. 
• In past few years, chrysoberyl stones that changes color have been sold in the name of alexandrite. The color changes from green to yellow or bluish. It is not an alexandrite gemstone. 

Conclusion – After going through the above parameters, we hope that you be now able to differentiate between a natural and a lab created alexandrite.