Natural Gemstones vs Lab Grown Gemstones: Do They Really Have the Same Properties? A Complete Guide

People have been enthralled by gemstones since time immemorial- as a mark of beauty, power, love, and unchanging grace. In the modern day, there has been a significant change in fashion in the jewelry industry, with lab grown gemstones taking center stage. Lab gemstones, with the same level of sparkle and with gorgeous clarity and ethical sourcing, put the entire concept of the traditional mined stones to the test. And yet the main question comes up: Do natural and lab grown gemstones really share similar properties?

This guide is a comprehensive effort by Ouros Jewels to break down the science behind them and answer the critical question of where the true difference lies when all properties are identical, whether in geology or in the value we assign. It provides clear comparisons between the natural gemstones and lab grown gemstones, highlighting how they differ in value, appearance, origin, sustainability, and durability. Through this guide, you can confidently select your dream stones for an engagement ring, statement pendant, or fine keepsake and make a truly informed choice.

Natural Gemstones vs Lab Grown Gemstones: What is the Actual Difference?

What Are Natural Gemstones?

Over millions of years, natural gemstones are formed below the surface of the earth. They go through high pressure levels, heat, and geological shifts. Each natural stone has a distinct growth pattern, inclusion, and colour tone, which anthropomorphism reflects its path.

Key Characteristics of Natural Gemstones

• Naturally formed due to geological effects.

• Frequently include inclusions (the print of nature).

• Rare and occasionally more costly.

• Mining may have an effect on ecosystems.

• The differences in colors are natural.

What are Lab-Created Gemstones?

The gemstones that are grown in laboratories are under stress conditions that are similar to the conditions that would be experienced by natural stones. They have the same chemical, optical, and physical characteristics as their mined counterparts.

Key Characteristics of Lab Created Gemstone

• Composition and hardness are all the same as natural stones.

• Lab-made gems have fewer inclusions and more transparency.

• Greener and ethically made.

• Inexpensive because production is regulated.

• Identical to natural stones.

What gemstones cannot be lab grown?

Pearls, moonstones, amber, jet, natural opals with true play-of-color, and other organic gemstones such as coral and shell cannot currently be lab grown as true gemstones. This is because their formation relies on biological processes, fossilization, or highly complex natural structures that cannot be authentically replicated in laboratory environments.

1. Pearls

Why pearls cannot be lab grown: Pearls form inside living mollusks through a biological layering process rather than crystal growth, making laboratory creation impossible.

2. Moonstone

Why moonstone cannot be lab grown: Moonstone’s natural glow (adularescence) comes from precise, naturally layered feldspar structures that cannot be fully reproduced in labs.

3. Amber

Why amber cannot be lab grown: Amber is fossilized tree resin formed over millions of years, a process that cannot be recreated or accelerated artificially.

4. Jet

Why jet cannot be lab grown: Jet originates from fossilized ancient wood compressed over time, which cannot be duplicated in laboratory conditions.

5. Natural Opal (With True Play-of-Color)

Why natural opal cannot be lab grown: The random arrangement of silica spheres that creates natural opal’s play-of-color is extremely difficult to replicate authentically, though imitations exist.

6. Organic Gemstones (Coral, Shell, Ivory)

Why Coral, Shell, Ivory cannot be lab grown: These materials are produced by living organisms and are not minerals formed through crystallization.

Key Takeaway

Some of these gemstones may have imitations or treated versions, but those are not true lab-grown equivalents. Lab-grown gemstones must match their natural counterparts in chemical composition, crystal structure, and optical properties, a standard these materials cannot yet meet.

Do Laboratory and Natural Gemstones Differ? 

Gemstones produced in the laboratory are commonly compared to natural gemstones, and well it should be so - they are almost exactly the same in terms of appearance, strength and brilliance. Although they differ in development, their scientific composition is so similar to each other that it can be very difficult to separate them without special equipment. 

Below is a clear, detailed comparison explained in smooth, easy-to-read paragraphs.

Chemical Composition

Gemstones produced naturally or in the laboratory have the same chemical structure in their center. A diamond, however, whether it is a diamond formed deep in the earth or in some high-tech laboratory, all the elements that make it up are pure carbon. 

This happens to sapphires, which is a mixture of aluminum oxide, and emeralds which are made of beryl with some traces of elements. The same chemical formula implies that both forms act and look identical when scrutinized with science and in this way prove to be chemically identical.

Physical Properties

Physically, both natural and laboratory gemstones exhibit equal hardness and durability because their internal structures are the same.

Result: Both last a lifetime with proper care.

Optical Properties 

Gemstones have mesmerizing characteristics that include brilliance, fire, and color as well as refraction of light, which is the same quality in both natural and lab made stones. A naturally blue sapphire and a lab produced blue sapphire display the same bright hue as they both get the color contribution of the same mineral composites. 

They also have the same refractive and dispersion properties that result in the same sparkle and shine. Actually, the differences can be so fine that even a well trained gemologist can hardly differentiate them without a microscope or some specialized apparatus.

Inclusions  

The principal visual distinction between natural and man made gemstones is the pattern and quantities of inclusions. Natural gemstones are formed millions of years in unpredictable geological environments, usually in which small minerals, fractures, or gas bubbles are trapped within them. These inclusions are the fingerprints of nature and they make stone unique. 

Lab made gemstones, however, grow in controllable conditions that restrict irregularities. Therefore, they often have fewer inclusions and can be cleaner or even more perfect without their authenticity. Both are genuine gemstones; the only difference is on how they are formed.

Value

The market value of gem stones is very much reliant on the rarity, cultural value, and market demand. Natural gemstones are thought to be more valuable due to their scarcity and associations with history and emotion related to their geological formation. 

Gemstones produced in the lab are not as rare and valued due to their environmental impact, fairness, and affordability. Their strength lies in the contemporary values, such as responsible sourcing, clarity, and creative design, which makes the products attractive to conscious buyers. 

Both forms, despite their perceived value, are equally attractive in one way or another.

What’s the difference between lab created and natural gemstones?

Pros and Cons of Natural Gemstones

Pros

1. Unique, One-of-a-Kind Beauty 

Each natural gemstone possesses its own peculiar inclusions, design variation, and variations of colors formed over millions of years. This renders every stone entirely irreplaceable due to its unique origin.

2. Higher Perceived Rarity and Prestige 

Natural gemstones tend to have greater symbolic and financial value due to their inherent impossibility to create and their provenance by the earth. They are rare and hence premium priced.

3. Long-Standing Historical Significance 

The cultural, spiritual, and historical significance of natural gemstones spans centuries to increase its emotional resonance and value.

4. Strong Resale Value 

Many natural gemstones, particularly those that include diamonds, emeralds, and rubies, and sapphires, tend to maintain or gain value as time passes, due to their rarity and their market demand.

Cons

1. Expensive 

Gemstones that are found naturally tend to be very expensive because they are mined, are scarce, and are in demand.

2. Environmental Impact

Natural stones are not very environmentally friendly, and traditional mining may interfere with ecosystems and spoil soil, as well as pollute the water.

3. Ethical Concerns 

Unsafe labor working conditions, undesirable salaries, and conflict financing have been noted to be related to gemstone mining in some regions.

4. Inconsistent Quality 

The natural stones are available in a wide variety of colors, clarity and sizes, and may thus be difficult to come across a perfectly matched gemstone or match.

Pros and Cons of Lab Grown Gemstones

Pros

1. Same Chemical & Physical Properties as Natural Stones 

Lab grown gems are the same in terms of brilliance, hardness, and durability since they have the same scientific composition.

2. More Affordable 

They are 30-70% cheaper than natural gemstones and so when used in large sizes or luxury appearance is easy to spend less.

3. Ethical & Conflict-Free 

Since they’re grown in controlled laboratories, they avoid mining and ensure 100% ethical sourcing.

4. Environmentally Friendly 

Lab creation reduces land disturbance, habitat destruction, and carbon footprint compared to mining operations.

Cons

1. Lower Rarity 

Manmade gems can be produced repeatedly, which reduces their exclusivity and collectible value.

2. Resale Value Is Generally Lower 

These stones currently have lower resale prices because they are not geologically rare and the market supply is abundant.

3. Lacks Historical or Emotional Context 

For some buyers, the connection to Earth’s natural processes and ancient origins holds emotional value that lab stones cannot replicate.

4. Perception Misunderstandings 

Some consumers mistakenly believe lab grown stones are “fake,” requiring education to understand their authenticity.

Styling Gemstone Jewelry with Ouros Jewels

Elevate your everyday and occasion wear with lab grown gemstone jewelry from Ouros Jewels, designed to transition seamlessly from minimal daytime looks to high-impact evening styling. Each piece highlights the brilliance and color of carefully crafted gemstones, making them easy to style and layer.

Everyday Minimal Elegance

For a clean, polished look, pair your birthstone pendant necklace with small gemstone stud earrings. This understated combination works perfectly for daily wear while maintaining a refined gemstone focus.

Brunch or Day Out

Add a pop of color with vibrant gemstone earrings crafted in sapphire, ruby, or emerald. These man-made gemstone designs instantly brighten your outfit and pair beautifully with casual or semi-formal attire.

Office Wear Chic

Opt for sleek solitaire gemstone rings or classic gemstone tennis bracelets for a professional yet elegant look. Their structured design and subtle sparkle make them ideal for all-day office wear.

Evening Glamour

Create a bold statement by styling gemstone rings with gemstone tennis necklaces. Richly colored stones paired with refined metal settings deliver high-impact sparkles suited for evening events and celebrations.

Personalized Gemstone Style

Design your own coordinated look with custom gemstone jewelry sets. Match a ruby ring with a ruby pendant and gemstone studs for a cohesive, personalized finish that reflects your individual style.

Upgrade Your Jewelry Box with Ethical Brilliance from Ouros Jewels!

There is no need to compromise when you can have gemstones that are bright, durable, and show the values that shine brightly. Ouros Jewels provides you with stunningly beautiful and ethically sourced lab grown diamonds and gemstones of a superior cut and clarity. 

Be it the selection of a romantic engagement ring or a thoughtful gift, or a true luxury to enjoy yourself, Ouros will turn your vision into a point of handcrafted perfection. Discover personalized styles, high-quality settings, and eternal beauty, at a price that is not large to the planet or to the wallet. 

Shop Ouros Jewels Lab Created Gemstones

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