Rubies have been cherished for nearly 2,000 years, but everything changed after the 1900 Paris World Fair! 

It showcased the first Lab-grown rubies that chemically, optically and physically mimicked the natural gem and well, made even the "pigeon’s blood” category rubies affordable for the common man! 

In this blog we'll learn everything about these lab-grown rubies and find out if they can beat the mined gems! 

Natural Vs. Lab-Grown Ruby

Rubies develop deep within the Earth, typically in metamorphic rocks like marble, gneiss, and schist. The formation process requires extreme heat (approximately 1,000°C or more) and significant pressure, often resulting from tectonic movements. The ideal conditions involve aluminum-rich environments with minimal silica and iron, as these elements can hinder ruby formation. However, scientists have broken the code to form the exact same gem-quality rubies inside control lab-environments! 

Although, mined and lab-created rubies are chemically, physically and optically the same, there are still a few differences: 

• Origin: Natural rubies are formed in the earth's crust over millions of years, while lab-grown rubies are created in a controlled laboratory environment.
  
  

• Cost: Natural rubies are more expensive due to their rarity, while lab-grown rubies are more affordable.
  
  
• Inclusions: Natural rubies often have unique inclusions and imperfections, while lab-grown rubies typically have fewer inclusions and a more uniform appearance.
  

So, why settle for second best when you can have the best of both worlds: jaw-dropping beauty and budget-friendly prices? 

How Long have Lab-grown Rubies Been Around? 

While nature has crafted breathtaking gemstones for millennia, human ingenuity has taken gem creation to a new level. 

It all began in the late 19th century when French chemists Auguste Verneuil and Edmond Frémy pioneered the flame fusion process. This groundbreaking technique involved melting powdered alumina and chromium oxide to create synthetic rubies. By the early 20th century, these lab-grown marvels were gracing jewellery boxes worldwide. By the time Verneuil died in 1913, his process was used to produce 10 million carats of rubies annually! 

Fast forward to today, and the methods have become even more sophisticated. Hydrothermal synthesis, flux growth, and the Czochralski process are just a few of the techniques used to create lab-grown rubies that rival their natural counterparts in beauty and brilliance.

How Are Lab-Grown Sapphires Created?

Lab-grown rubies are created using processes such as Flame Fusion, Flux Growth, Czochralski, or Hydrothermal methods. These techniques involve combining aluminum oxide with chromium to form corundum, the mineral that gives rubies their red colour.

Flame Fusion Method

Also known as the Verneuil process, this was the first commercially successful method for creating synthetic gemstones, developed by Auguste Verneuil in the late 19th century. The process involves:

• Melting powdered alumina and chromium oxide using an oxyhydrogen flame. The molten material was then carefully collected onto a rotating rod, forming a synthetic ruby boule. 
  
  

• The process is relatively quick, allowing for large quantities of synthetic rubies to be produced at a lower cost compared to natural rubies.
  
  

While this method was instrumental in making lab-grown rubies accessible, it often resulted in rubies with visible growth lines and imperfections under microscope. They typically have a glassy appearance and may lack the inclusions found in natural rubies, making them easier to distinguish from their natural counterparts.

Flux Growth Method

The Flux-Growth method is a refined technique in lab-grown ruby creation. Unlike the rapid Flame Fusion process, this method focuses on slower, more controlled crystal growth.

• Solvent-based: A specialised solvent, often made of borates or phosphates, is used to dissolve the ruby-forming elements.
  
  
• Crystallisation: As the solution cools, the dissolved materials gradually crystallise into rubies. This process can take several months, resulting in larger, more defined crystals.
  
  
• Inclusions: Flux-grown rubies often exhibit unique inclusions, such as flux remnants or tiny bubbles, which can contribute to their character and authenticity.
  
  

While the Flux-Growth method yields high-quality rubies, this process is more complex and time-consuming compared to other techniques.

Czochralski Method

The Czochralski method, named after its Polish inventor Jan Czochralski, is a refined technique for cultivating large, high-quality crystals. This method has become a cornerstone in the production of lab-grown rubies and other synthetic gemstones. 

• Seed Crystal: A small, perfectly formed crystal serves as a foundation for growth.   
  
  
• Molten Material: The ruby-forming material (aluminum oxide and chromium) is melted in a crucible.
  
  
• Crystal Pulling: The seed crystal is slowly withdrawn from the molten material while rotating, allowing the crystal to gradually form.   
  
  
• Controlled Environment: Precise temperature and pressure conditions are maintained to ensure optimal crystal growth.   
  
  

This method often results in rubies with fewer inclusions and a higher degree of optical clarity compared to other techniques. However, it requires advanced equipment and careful control, making it a more complex process.

Hydrothermal Method

The hydrothermal method is a marvel of modern gemmology, replicating the Earth's natural gem-forming process in a controlled environment. By subjecting materials to high temperatures and pressures within a water-based solution, scientists can cultivate rubies that closely mimic their natural counterparts.   

• Natural-like inclusions: These rubies often exhibit inclusions similar to those found in natural stones, enhancing their authenticity.
  
  
• Superior quality: Hydrothermal synthesis frequently produces rubies with exceptional clarity and color saturation.
  
  
• Time-consuming process: The method requires careful control of temperature, pressure, and other factors, making it more time-intensive than other techniques.
  
  

Each of these methods produces rubies that can be visually similar to natural stones, but they may exhibit distinct characteristics that can be identified through gemological analysis.

Lab-Grown vs. Natural: Which is Better?

Both lab-grown and natural rubies possess exceptional beauty and durability. The choice often boils down to personal preference and budget.

Lab-grown rubies: Offer affordability, ethical sourcing, and consistent quality.

Natural rubies: Appeal to those seeking rarity, history, and potential investment value.

Intrigued with lab-grown rubies? You're in for a treat! Angara's collection is a ruby lover's dream come true. From lab-grown Ruby rings and earrings that sparkle to lab-grown Ruby necklaces that steal the show, we've got you covered. The best part? You can customise your piece to match your unique style.Choose your metal, carat weight, and setting – it's your design, your rules. 

Ready to add a pop of red to your jewellery box? Dive into our collection now! 

FAQs

1. Can rubies be grown in the lab?
Lab-grown rubies, also known as synthetic or cultured rubies, are gemstones that are grown in a laboratory under controlled conditions. They have the same chemical composition (aluminum oxide, Al₂O₃) and physical properties as natural rubies.

2. How is ruby created?
Lab-grown rubies are produced using various methods such as flame fusion, flux growth, Czochralski, and hydrothermal processes. These techniques involve combining aluminum oxide with chromium to form corundum, which is then grown into ruby crystals.

3. Are lab-grown rubies as durable as natural rubies?
Yes, lab-grown rubies have the same chemical composition and hardness (9 on the Mohs scale) as natural rubies, making them equally durable and suitable for everyday wear in jeweller.