[Jewelry making - Article 00010] - Re: [Orchid] Synthetic & Simulant Gem Nomenclature

[richard hart]

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>     As for my statement of a synthetic color change Sapphire not being
>     an imitation or simulant of an Alexandrite, I still stand by this
>     statement. Just because they were sold in this manner does not
>     make it so. It can only be a simulant of an Alexandrite if it
>     mimics the look of the gemstone it is trying to mimic. If the
>     synthetic Sapphire changed from Green to Red it would be a simulant
>     of an Alexandrite. Correct me if I am wrong but I do not believe I
>     have seen a color change synthetic Sapphire that changes these
>     colors.

    Hello...Greg........ G.I.A. library accessed through Google
    search... 

>     The color change in alexandrite-like synthetic sapphire...

    The most sought after alexandrites are a lovely green in daylight or
    fluorescent light, but change to red or slightly purplish red in the
    incandescent light from a lamp or candle flame. 

    Simulants, synthetics, and alternatives Synthetic alexandrite was
    developed in 1973. It can be grown using the flux or Czochralski
    methods. Synthetic alexandrite will have a similar color change to
    natural alexandrite, bluish green in daylight and brownish red to
    purple-red in incandescent light. Synthetic alexandrites often have
    flux inclusions, triangular metallic platelets, curved striae, or gas
    bubbles, depending on the growth technique that was used to grow the
    synthetic. Synthetic alexandrites typically have a slightly lower RI,
    and stronger fluorescence than natural alexandrites. 

    Synthetic color-change corundum (of which ruby and sapphire are
    varieties) was developed approximately in 1909. The color change in
    alexandrite-like synthetic sapphire will be bluish purple or greenish
    blue changing to reddish purple, depending on the growth process used
    to create the synthetics. 

    Synthetic color-change spinel.
    Color-change garnet
    Color-change sapphire 

Please throw some cold water on me...Richard Hart

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