Simulant
Synthetic Gemstone
Lab-grown material with the same or similar appearance to natural gemstones
Colorless
Multicolor
Optical characteristics
- Ref. index
- 1.45 – 2.7
- Birefringence
- 0 – 0.1
- Luster
- Variable
- Pleochroism
- Variable
- Fluorescence
- Varies by synthetic type and dopant; check per species.
Source localities
Instruments used
Immersion Microscope
See every internal detail clearly, the professional standard
10x Loupe
Your most-used instrument, start every examination here
Polariscope
Determines single vs. double refraction, quick and conclusive
Refractometer
Measures refractive index, the backbone of gem identification
Spectroscope
Reads characteristic absorption lines, confirms chromium, iron, copper
UV Lamp, Long Wave and Short Wave
Fluorescence exposes treatments, synthetics, and origin