Diamond Simulants
Definition
A diamond expert is able to discern a loose diamond from a simulant just by
eye alone, and is unconcerned with the following tests to separate the various
impersonators, but we have included some of the differences for interest.
Many jewellers use some of the tests for their own piece of mind, and no doubt
you will already have seen a jeweller using one of the many diamond testers
available on the market, the most common being the thermal tester. This is however
unable to distinguish between diamond and the new simulant Moissanite, and can
occasionally fool the inexperienced appraiser.
Diamond simulant has the same meaning as imitation and refers to
any material that has the appearance of diamond but does not posess
the characteristics, atomic structure, chemical composition or physical
properties of natural diamond. Simulants commonly include Cubic
Zirconia, Colour less Synthetic Corundum (sapphire), Synthetic Spinel,
Strontium Titanate, Yttrium Aluminium Garnet (YAG), Gadolinium Gallium
Garnet (GGG), and Glass (Paste).
Original document: http://www.jewellerycatalogue.co.uk/diamonds/simulants_info.php
Diamond simulants categories
We can split simulants into five further
sub categories:
Gems
These are natural stones having the appearance of diamond. Stones include Sapphire,
topaz, Beryl, Quartz, Zircon; all in their colourless forms.
Natural Synthetics
These are manufactured stones that have the same chemical composition, atomic
structure, and physical properties of a natural counterpart. They are man made
and include: Synthetic Rutile, Synthetic Sapphire, and Synthetic Spinel. The
term cultured is starting to be applied to synthetics.
Artificial Synthetics
These are the manufactured stones that have no natural counterpart and include:
Strontium Titanate, Yttrium Aluminate (YAG) and Cubic Zirconia.
Imitations
Glasses of differing densities, often referred to a paste.
Composites
Stones were often constructed from more than one stone to enhance particular
properties. Glass for example is very soft and to prevent the surface from scratching
a layer of harder material was bonded to the surface. These stones are often
referred to a doublets.
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What word bonds all the following adjectives? Treated, Substitute,
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Synthetic
and Simulant
Synthetic and simulant are terminology used by the USBM for laboratory
grown gemstones. Others in the gemstones industry may use different
terms to refer to laboratory grown gemstones. Laboratory grown synthetic
gemstones have essentially the same appearance and optical, physical,
and chemical properties as the natural material that they represent.
More Articles
Main Simulants
White Sapphire
White Topaz
Zircon
Synthetic Rutile
YAG
Cubic Zirconia
Synthetic Moissanite
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