Walk into any modern jewelry store or browse an online catalog, and you'll see natural stones placed right next to lab-created alternatives. On the surface, a lab-grown emerald or sapphire can look just as bright and clean as an earth-mined one—sometimes even cleaner—for a fraction of the cost.
However, behind the visual similarity lies a massive difference in geological origin, market value, and astrological impact.
If you are buying a gemstone for Vedic astrology (Jyotish), emotional balance, or long-term investment, knowing how lab stones differ from natural stones will keep you from making an expensive mistake.
What Are Natural Gemstones?
Natural gemstones are crystalline minerals that formed deep inside the earth's crust over millions of years under extreme heat and tectonic pressure.
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Mined from the Earth: They are extracted from historic mining belts (such as Ceylon sapphires from Sri Lanka, Zambian emeralds, or Burmese rubies).
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Internal Fingerprints: Because of their slow, organic crystallization, natural gems almost always carry microscopic inclusions (silk needles, two-phase inclusions, color zoning). These are not defects—they are geological proof of authenticity.
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Astrological Energy: In Vedic astrology, natural stones act as conduits for planetary light rays because they have absorbed earth minerals and cosmic vibrations over geological eras.
What Are Lab-Created Gemstones?
Lab-created (or synthetic) gemstones are grown inside industrial facilities using high-tech methods like Flame Fusion, Flux Growth, Hydrothermal synthesis, or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).
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Identical Chemistry: Chemically, physically, and optically, a lab-grown ruby is still aluminum oxide with chromium ($Al_2O_3:Cr$), just like a natural ruby.
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Rapid Production: Instead of millions of years, lab stones are manufactured in a matter of weeks or months.
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Flawless Appearance: Because growth happens in controlled factory conditions, synthetic stones are usually free of standard inclusions and display uniform, saturated color.
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Zero Astrological Value: While they look striking in cheap fashion jewelry, lab-grown stones lack natural mineral depth and hold zero energetic or astrological value in Vedic remedies.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Natural Gemstones | Lab-Created Gemstones |
| Formation Period | Millions of years deep in the earth | 2 to 8 weeks in an industrial lab |
| Astrological Efficacy | 100% effective for Jyotish remedies | 0% (No planetary energy) |
| Internal Inclusions | Natural growth lines, silk, crystal feathers | Gas bubbles, flux remnants, or clean |
| Resale & Investment | High market retention; values appreciate | Minimal to zero secondary market resale |
| Pricing | Premium, determined by rarity and origin | Budget-friendly, mass-produced |
Are Lab-Created Gemstones Considered "Fake"?
Technically, gemologists distinguish between imitations and synthetics:
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An imitation (simulant) is made of completely unrelated material, like green glass or cubic zirconia pretending to be an emerald.
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A lab-created stone is a real mineral crystal grown in an artificial reactor.
While lab-grown stones are not fake minerals, selling or wearing them as astrological remedies is misleading. A lab-created Pukhraj or Neelam will never channel the planetary forces of Jupiter or Saturn.
Before investing in an astrological stone, read our checklist on how to tell if a gemstone is real, synthetic, or fake to avoid being overcharged.
How to Verify What You Are Buying
To ensure you aren't paying natural-stone prices for a factory-grown piece, always follow these verification steps:
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Check the Lab Report Phrasing: Reputable laboratories (IGI, GIA, IIGJ) will clearly label man-made gems as "Synthetic" or "Laboratory-Grown." An authentic stone will explicitly state "Natural Gemstone."
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Beware of Vague Trade Names: Be cautious of marketing terms like Hydrothermal Emerald, Created Sapphire, or Cultured Ruby—these are industry terms for lab-made synthetics.
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Inspect with an Expert: If you are based in Delhi-NCR, you can inspect natural and untreated stones under high magnification with our certified gemologists in Noida at our Sector 18 (Wave One) and Gaur City Center showrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear a lab-created gemstone if my budget is low?
If you only care about jewelry aesthetics, lab stones are fine. But if you need an astrological remedy on a budget, choose a natural Upratna (semi-precious substitute) instead of a synthetic precious stone. For example, choose a natural Yellow Citrine instead of a lab-created Yellow Sapphire.
Do lab-created gemstones change color or fade over time?
No. Because they have the same chemical hardness as natural stones, lab-created sapphires and rubies will not fade or tarnish. Their limitation is strictly their lack of rarity and astrological potency.
Are treated natural stones the same as lab-created stones?
No. A treated stone is still a natural, earth-mined stone that was heated or oiled to enhance clarity or color. A lab-created stone was manufactured entirely in a factory.
At Shiv Parvati Gems, we deal exclusively in 100% natural, untreated, and government lab-certified gemstones. Browse our collections or speak with our team to find the right natural stone for your astrological needs.