Synthetic rubies are technically not gemstones because they are not formed naturally. But some synthetic rubies so closely resemble natural stones that it takes a gemologist to tell the difference.
Flame Fusion
In the late 1800s, A.V. Verneuil became the first to successfully create a synthetic ruby with this process. Flame fusion involves dropping powder through a flame to create a boule, a single crystal, and producing a ruby rod in a few hours.
Flux Growth
In 1959, a much slower but more realistic synthetic ruby was made using flux growth. This process keeps the ingredients in a molten state for up to a year as the ruby molecules migrate into a growing crystal.
Properties
Synthetic rubies created with the flux growth process are nearly indistinguishable from natural stones. Flame fusion rubies are duller and have gas bubbles and deposits not found in natural rubies.
Jewelry
Flux growth rubies are used in finer jewelry pieces as a replacement for real stones. Flame fusion rubies are used in lower grade and costume jewelry pieces.
Other Uses
In World War II, rubies were used as bearings and the process for making synthetic stones was enhanced by the Linde Division of Union Carbide. In the 1960s, early lasers were built using ruby rods.
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