Comparison of Natural and Synthetic Emerald Properties

Comparison of Natural and Synthetic Emerald Properties
Posted on August 23rd, 2025 05:29 PM

Emerald stone have been used to represent renewal, wisdom and growth. The gem helps to manifest and activate the heart chakra. However, with a surplus of artificial imitations, it is important to know and appreciate the difference between natural emeralds and artificial emeralds, not only to determine monetary worth, but also to have that emotional connection and meaning.  

So, what are the major differences between a natural and a synthetic emerald? Here are all the details for you:

Origin Stories: Earth vs Lab

All-natural Emeralds are produced deep in the crust of the earth over a period of millions of years. They are produced in hydrothermal mines under the tectonic pressure, with elements beryllium, chromium, and vanadium colliding, and the result of the process is clearly seen in the form of unusual inclusions and irregularities.  

Synthetic Emeralds have been produced in the laboratory by growing them either through a process of under pressure of water, known as a hydrothermal or flux growth. They are extremely close in chemical and optical properties, but their manufacture is not subject to the improvisatory art of nature.  

No matter how good the lab ones are, and human innovation is precise, Natural emerald  has the memory of geologic time and energies of nature.   

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Visual & Physical Properties

Property

Natural Emerald

Synthetic Emerald

Color Range

Rich green, slightly bluish tint

Vivid green, often more saturated

Inclusions

“Jardin” (garden) inclusions—dense, organic, unique

Fewer, often engineered or less visible

Clarity

Usually included; rarely flawless

Enhanced clarity, minimal inclusions

Hardness  (Mohs Scale)

~7.5–8

Similar (~7.5–8)

Luster

Vitreous, soft glow

Can appear sharper or more glassy

Value and Uniqueness

Fine natural Emeralds cost much more because they are rarer and harder to mine than other stones, and each stone is completely unique.  

Synthetics are designed with affordability and consistency in mind and are easily accessible to the majority of customers, as well as offering access to emerald aesthetics at a friendly price.  

Value is not all financial. Many people are interested in collecting stones, or those with spiritual inclinations understand the value of natural emeralds in terms of their history and energy.  

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Astrological Significance

In Vedic astrology, it is Emeralds which happen to be the gem of mercury, a planet of logic, speech, and medicine. Natural emeralds are traditionally favoured due to their earth-born vibration and lineage that is ancient.  

However, synthetic emeralds cannot be viewed as identical in terms of the energy they hold. Most astrologers prefer to recommend natural stones to cure planet negative effects. Only natural Panna stone  are considered to have the basic and raw elemental energy to produce an effect on the person who wears it.  

The universe reacts to genuine.  

Read More - Healing Properties Of Emerald Stone

Visual & Physical Properties of emerald

Color, Clarity and Cut

Color

Natural: Deep green with a tint of either blue or yellow. It is typical of color zoning.  

Synthetic: Frequently lighter or more even in colouration and may be too perfect.  

Clarity

Naturals: Inclusion will be understood and tolerated. Natural emeralds are rarely very clear.   

Man-made: In most instances, it is clearer and contains fewer inclusions.

Cut

They are both faceted to the optimum brilliance and to minimise visible defects. Nevertheless, due to their scarcity, natural emeralds can be more carefully cut so as to save weight.  

Pro tip: When a stone appears to be too good, then it is good to check it. Raw emeralds are seldom impeccably clear.  

Further Reading - emerald stone price guide i

Emerald Stone Chart

Durability & Care 

Emeralds measure a relatively high 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, so they are fairly hard, despite having a tendency to fracture internally.  

Natural Emeralds: May be impregnated with any one of various oils or resins to increase their clarity. Need gentle cleaning and handling.  

Man-made Emeralds: Your man-made emeralds may be more structurally sound since they grow in a controlled environment. Still need care, particularly when worn on an everyday basis jewelry.  

Both natural and synthetic, do not use ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals. Dilute some tepid water with soft soap and clean the gem with a soft brush.  

Market Awareness

Natural Emeralds

Value: Great as a result of being rare, historical, and naturally formed.   

Resale: High resale potential, particularly of UV-untreated stones that are certified.  

Astrological: Used by Vedic Astrologers most often due to their inherent power and planetary affiliation to Mercury.  

Synthetic Emeralds

Value: Low value in the market, but in high-quality synthetics, manufacturing can be expensive.  

Resale: Low resale.  

Astrological: Not recommended at all.   

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Identification and Certification

Separation of the two can only be made by expert gemological tools and techniques:  

  • The refractive index and spectroscopy.
  • Through Magnification Analysis of Inclusion
  • Lab report or certification by GIA, IGI or other reputable labs

When it comes to investing in emeralds, particularly to be used astrologically or have a heirloom nature, be sure to ask the dealer to issue an authenticity certificate. It will be the proof of the authenticity of the gem, plus all the details of the gem are mentioned on it, like colour, origin, treatments done on it or not, etc. 

Concluding Thoughts

Natural and synthetic emeralds each have their own beauty, astrological, and emotional significance - so regardless of what you connect with, personal choice can be made with informed knowledge.  

When you want uniqueness, exclusivity and vibrance of energy--natural emeralds are your answer.  

Whether your priority is budget, the perfect aesthetic or ethically-sourced, synthetic emeralds can present a superior alternative.  

Looking for a genuine gem? Buy original and authentic emerald gemstone  from Navratan, an online gem bazaar, where you will get lab-certified gemstones only. Our experts are also available to help you select your perfect gemstone.

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