Synthetic gems are lab created with essentially the same chemical composition, crystal structure and properties as its natural counterpart. At first sight, a synthetic resembles a natural gem in color, weight and many other characteristics. Upon closer inspection, gemologists can detect clues that will help them differentiate between synthetic and natural crystals.

Knowing whether a gem is natural or synthetic is crucial when buying a colored stone or diamond. Internal and external characteristics can help trained observers seperate natural from synthetic gems.

This picture was taken by Alan Jobbins. Natural gems often contain microscopic features that are different from those that are found in synthetic gems. This is a natural ruby from Mogok, Myanmar and it contains mineral and needle inclusions that will not be seen in synthetic rubies.

Imitation gem is any material that looks like a natural gem and is used in its place. The thing that makes an imitation different from a synthetic is that it can be made of almost any material, as long as it looks like the gem it is supposed to replace.