Lab Grown Emeralds Vs Natural Are The Inclusions The Only Way To Tell

Emeralds have captivated humanity for centuries with their lush green hues and regal presence. As demand for sustainable and ethically sourced gemstones grows, lab grown emeralds have entered the mainstream market as a compelling alternative to mined stones. But how can you tell them apart? While many assume that inclusions—those tiny internal imperfections—are the definitive clue, the reality is far more nuanced. Inclusions alone are not enough to reliably distinguish between natural and lab grown emeralds. A deeper understanding of growth patterns, chemical composition, fluorescence, and microscopic features is required.

This article explores the full spectrum of identification methods, from simple visual inspection to advanced laboratory analysis, and reveals why relying solely on inclusions can lead to misidentification—even among seasoned jewelers.

The Myth of Inclusions as a Definitive Identifier

In natural emeralds, inclusions are nearly universal. These internal characteristics—often referred to as \"jardin\" (French for garden)—result from geological processes that occur over millions of years. They may include fractures, mineral crystals, or fluid-filled cavities. Because of this, many believe that heavily included stones must be natural, while clean ones are likely lab grown. This assumption, however, is flawed.

Modern hydrothermal and flux-growth techniques used to create lab grown emeralds can produce stones with complex internal features that closely mimic natural inclusions. Conversely, some natural emeralds are remarkably clean, especially those from certain Colombian mines. The presence or absence of inclusions is not a conclusive indicator of origin.

Tip: Never rely solely on clarity when determining whether an emerald is natural or lab grown. Even experienced gemologists require additional tools for accurate identification.

Key Differences Beyond Inclusions

To accurately differentiate between natural and lab grown emeralds, one must examine several interrelated factors. These include growth structure, trace elements, fluorescence, and internal formation patterns—all of which go far beyond surface-level clarity.

Growth Features and Growth Zones

Natural emeralds form in the earth’s crust under high pressure and variable temperature conditions. Their growth is irregular and often layered, resulting in curved or angular growth zones visible under magnification. Lab grown emeralds, depending on the method used, exhibit different growth patterns:

• Hydrothermal method: Produces straight, parallel growth tubes or fine wisps aligned in one direction—indicative of controlled laboratory environments.
• Flux-growth method: Leaves behind flux residues—tiny metallic-looking particles trapped within the stone—that are rarely found in natural emeralds.

These subtle but consistent structural differences are far more reliable than inclusion type alone.

Chemical Composition and Trace Elements

While both natural and lab grown emeralds are beryl (Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈) colored by chromium and/or vanadium, their trace element profiles differ significantly. Natural emeralds often contain detectable levels of alkali metals like cesium, rubidium, or lithium—elements introduced through surrounding rock formations during crystallization.

In contrast, lab grown emeralds typically show elevated concentrations of molybdenum or tungsten—residual elements from the flux solvents used in synthesis. Advanced spectroscopic tools like Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) can detect these minute chemical variations, offering definitive proof of origin.

“Even when inclusions look identical, the geochemical fingerprint of an emerald tells the true story.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Senior Gemologist at GIA Research Division

Fluorescence and UV Response

Under ultraviolet light, many lab grown emeralds exhibit stronger red or orange-red fluorescence compared to their natural counterparts. This response stems from specific activators used during synthesis. While not all lab grown emeralds fluoresce intensely, and some natural ones do, this trait—when combined with other indicators—adds valuable context.

Visual Comparison Table: Natural vs Lab Grown Emeralds

Feature	Natural Emerald	Lab Grown Emerald
Inclusions	Jardin effect; three-phase inclusions (solid, liquid, gas)	More uniform; flux residues, platinum crystals, or seed plates
Growth Structure	Irregular, chaotic zoning	Straight growth tubes or planar zones
Trace Elements	Cs, Rb, Li common	Mo, W, Fe from flux
UV Fluorescence	Weak to moderate red; sometimes inert	Often strong red-orange; varies by method
Price (per carat)	$500–$10,000+ (fine quality)	$50–$300

Step-by-Step Guide to Identifying Emerald Origin

Determining whether an emerald is natural or lab grown requires a systematic approach. Here’s a practical sequence professionals follow:

1. Begin with magnification: Use a 10x loupe or microscope to examine internal features. Look for flux residues, seed plates, or unnaturally perfect inclusions.
2. Assess growth patterns: Note if color zoning is curved (natural) or straight/parallel (lab grown).
3. Test fluorescence: Observe the stone under long-wave and short-wave UV light. Record intensity and color.
4. Check refractive index and birefringence: While both types share similar optical properties, anomalies may suggest synthetic origin.
5. Submit for spectroscopic analysis: When in doubt, use FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) or LA-ICP-MS to analyze trace chemistry.
6. Consult a certified gem lab: Reputable labs like GIA, AGL, or SSEF issue origin reports with high accuracy.

Tip: Always request a gemological certificate when purchasing high-value emeralds. Reputable labs disclose whether a stone is natural, synthetic, or treated.

Real-World Case Study: The Misidentified Heirloom

A collector in Geneva inherited what was believed to be a 2.1-carat Colombian emerald ring passed down through three generations. Based on its prominent inclusions and deep green color, the family assumed it was a rare natural stone. A local jeweler confirmed it was “definitely natural” based on visual inspection.

However, when the owner submitted the stone to the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) for valuation before insurance renewal, advanced testing revealed something surprising: the emerald was hydrothermally grown. Microscopic examination showed parallel growth tubes, and trace element analysis detected no cesium or lithium—common in natural Colombian emeralds—but revealed traces of sodium and molybdenum, consistent with lab synthesis.

The result? Not fraud, but a historical case of mistaken identity. The stone had been purchased in the 1970s, during the early commercialization of lab grown gems, when disclosure practices were inconsistent. This case underscores that even stones with classic inclusion patterns can be synthetic—and that modern technology is essential for accurate assessment.

Expert Checklist: What to Verify Before Buying an Emerald

Whether you're shopping for jewelry or building a collection, use this checklist to ensure informed decisions:

• ✅ Request a grading report from a recognized lab (GIA, AGL, SSEF, etc.)
• ✅ Confirm whether the report specifies \"natural\" or \"synthetic\" origin
• ✅ Ask about treatments (oiling, fracture filling) which are common in both types
• ✅ Compare price to market averages—extremely low prices may indicate lab grown
• ✅ Inspect under magnification for unnatural perfection or metallic inclusions
• ✅ Avoid sellers who say “just as good as natural” without disclosing origin

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a jeweler tell if an emerald is lab grown just by looking?

Not reliably. While experienced jewelers may spot suspicious features—like perfectly clean stones or unusual inclusions—only advanced gemological testing can confirm origin. Many lab grown emeralds are designed to fool the unaided eye.

Are lab grown emeralds considered \"fake\"?

No. Lab grown emeralds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural ones. They are real gemstones, just created in a lab. The term \"fake\" applies to imitations like green glass or cubic zirconia, not synthetics.

Do lab grown emeralds hold value?

Generally, they do not appreciate like fine natural emeralds. However, they offer excellent value for wearability and design. Their lower cost allows for larger stones or intricate settings without the investment risk of natural gems.

Conclusion: Seeing Beyond the Surface

The question of whether inclusions are the only way to tell lab grown emeralds from natural ones has a clear answer: no. Inclusions are just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Modern gemology relies on a combination of microscopic observation, chemical analysis, and optical testing to make accurate determinations. As lab grown technology advances, the visual distinctions become increasingly subtle—demanding greater expertise and better tools.

For consumers, the takeaway is empowerment through knowledge. Understanding that beauty isn’t exclusive to natural stones—and that transparency matters—allows for smarter, more confident choices. Whether you choose a natural emerald for its rarity and history or a lab grown one for its sustainability and affordability, the key is knowing exactly what you’re getting.

🚀 Ready to make an informed gemstone purchase? Share this guide with someone considering an emerald—or leave a comment with your own experience distinguishing natural from lab grown stones.