With the advancement of science, gems like rubies aren't only mined but also crafted in labs. Feeling unsure of the choice? No worries. In this blog, we’re going to simplify the age-old dilemma between natural and lab-created rubies, helping you easily pick the one that suits you best.

Differences:

In terms of looks and traits, natural and lab-created rubies can be identical. If you're shopping for a ruby, understanding the difference can help you have a clear preference. 

Lab-created gemstones mimic natural ones, but may still have slight color and clarity variations, adding to their individuality. However, your pick between the classic natural charm and the lab-made glam ultimately depends on your personal taste and the purpose behind your purchase.

• Origin:

  - Natural rubies are formed in the earth's crust over millions of years through inherent geological processes.

 - Lab-created rubies are made in a controlled lab using methods like flame fusion and hydrothermal synthesis.

• Cost:

   - Natural rubies are rare and pricey due to their origin.

   - Lab-created rubies are budget-friendly because they're produced using controlled processes in a laboratory. 

• Availability:

   - Lab-created rubies can be produced on-demand.

   - Natural rubies depend on mining and supply, impacting availability.

• Sustainability:

   - Lab-created rubies are ethical and sustainable, avoiding mining and resource exploitation.

• Physical Features:

   - Lab-made rubies mirror natural ones in chemical composition (aluminum oxide) but are crafted in controlled environments.

   - This controlled crafting allows for desired attributes without inclusions, making lab-made rubies identical.

•  Durability:

   - Both natural and lab-created rubies have a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale.

   - Lab-created rubies may have fewer imperfections, enhancing durability.

Still Confused? 

Your decision hinges on your personal taste and budget. Natural rubies are unique and luxurious, while lab-created ones are affordable, sustainable, and just as stunning. 

If the choice between natural and lab-created rubies still has you puzzled, you may like to consider the table below. 

Benefits of Natural vs. Lab-Created Ruby:

Natural Rubies	Lab-Created Rubies
Valuable and desirable for collectors	Accessible to a broader audience.
Rare and costly	Readily available and budget-friendly.
Completely natural, unaltered	Controlled production for consistency.
Natural variations	Consistent color and quality.
Best for astrological purposes	Best for jewellery
Considered an investment	Boasts a lower environmental impact compared to natural mining.

While lab -grown rubies may visually mimic natural ones, the emotional essence sets them apart – natural rubies, being authentic and rare, often become cherished family treasures, passing stories through generations.They also have amazing healing properties making them the most cherished astrological recommendation. 

How to Know if Your Ruby Is Natural? 

If you're unsure of the authenticity of the gemstone, consider using these tips to verify and enjoy the benefits of wearing ruby:

Clarity Check:

Lab-grown rubies, crafted in controlled labs, often boast higher clarity. However, not all flawless rubies are artificial. If a high-clarity ruby is way cheaper than a natural one, it's likely lab-created.

Size Check:

Natural, large rubies are rare and expensive. If a sizable ruby is surprisingly affordable, it's likely artificial.

Price Check:

A notably low price could hint at a synthetic stone.If a ruby has an intense red color, high clarity, large size, and a surprisingly low cost, it's probably not natural.

Check if There Are Growth Lines or Bubbles:

Natural rubies display 'growth lines,' while lab-created ones reveal bubbles under a microscope due to their manufacturing process.

These tips can guide you— but remember, only lab testing can ensure 100% authenticity of the gemstone.

Did You Know? 

The most precious rubies showcase a deep red hue with a touch of blue. Burma, especially Myanmar, mines these gems, known as Burmese rubies. These flawless rubies are exceptionally rare and can even surpass diamonds of similar weight or quality in value. These unique rubies feature delicate silk-like inclusions, lending a soft colour that disperses beautifully across the gem's surface. 

FAQs

1. Are lab-created rubies real gemstones?
Yes, lab-created rubies are real gemstones. They share the same mineral, corundum, and mirror natural rubies in chemical composition and physical properties. Grown in controlled labs, they have fewer imperfections than their natural counterparts but are still considered real gemstones due to their genuine chemical makeup and properties.

2. Are there ethical considerations when choosing between natural and lab-created rubies?
Lab-grown rubies are produced in controlled environments, reducing the negative environmental impact & the risk of supporting unethical mining practices

3. Do natural and lab-created rubies have the same level of durability and hardness?
While lab-created rubies may have less clarity or imperfections than natural rubies, their hardness and durability are comparable to those of natural rubies.