ABSTRACT
In contrast to synthetic gemstones, which have essentially the same chemical composition, crystal system and physical constants as their natural counterparts, a simulant need only have a superficial resemblance to the gemstone it imitates. Because of this, the simulant’s constants are usually quite different from those of the genuine stone. Although this provides the main means of identification, the presence of diagnostic inclusions should not be overlooked when checking a suspect stone (see under ‘Identification features of natural and synthetic gemstones’ in the previous chapter). Materials used to simulate the more valuable gem minerals range from natural gemstones (sometimes dyed) to various man-made products.
