Quick answer: A natural gemstone formed in the earth and shows tiny irregular inclusions; a synthetic has the same chemistry but was grown in a lab and looks too clean, often with curved growth lines or gas bubbles. Both are "real" minerals — the difference is origin and price, and a lab report states which one you have.
Natural vs Synthetic Gemstones — the practical guide from GemStore.pk, written for buyers in Pakistan who want to be sure before they pay.
"Synthetic" does not mean fake — but it does change a stone's value and, for many buyers, its astrological meaning. Here is how natural, synthetic and imitation stones differ.
| Natural | Synthetic (lab-grown) | Imitation (glass) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formed | In the earth over millions of years | In a laboratory in weeks | Moulded glass or plastic |
| Chemistry | Same as synthetic | Same as natural | Different |
| Inclusions | Irregular crystals, silk, fingerprints | Curved growth lines, tiny gas bubbles, too clean | Round bubbles, swirl marks |
| Hardness | Per mineral | Per mineral | 5–6 |
| Astrological use | Yes | No (traditionally) | No |
| Price | Highest | 10–20% of natural | A few hundred rupees |
What is a Synthetic Gemstone?
A synthetic gemstone has the same chemistry as a natural one but is grown in a laboratory in weeks instead of forming in the earth over millions of years. It is a real stone chemically, but worth a fraction of a natural one.
Natural vs Synthetic vs Imitation
- Natural: formed in the earth; rarest and most valuable; the only type used for astrology.
- Synthetic (lab-grown): same material, made in a lab; affordable but not natural.
- Imitation: glass or plastic made to look like a gem; no real gem value.
How to Protect Yourself
The only certain way to know what you are buying is independent lab verification. At GemStore.pk every stone is 100% natural and lab-verifiable — browse our Certified Gemstones collection, and read our Gemstone Buying Guide before you buy.
Quick checklist before you buy any gemstone
- Ask for the exact carat weight, origin and treatment — vague listings are the first warning sign.
- Compare the price with our gemstone price guide; a price far below the market usually means glass, synthetic or heavily treated material.
- Insist on lab verification. Every stone at GemStore.pk is natural and lab-verifiable.
- Use cash on delivery so you inspect the stone before paying, and keep the 7-day return window in mind.
Natural vs Synthetic Gemstones: key takeaways
- The short answer on natural vs synthetic gemstones: look at colour, clarity, weight and treatment together — no single test is enough.
- Buy only stones sold with their exact carat weight, origin and treatment stated, and insist on lab verification.
- Pay on delivery, inspect the stone in daylight, and use the 7-day return window if anything does not match the listing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I check natural vs synthetic gemstones at home?
Partly. The visual and hardness checks in this guide catch most fakes, but only a gemmological lab can confirm a natural, untreated stone. Buy from a seller who welcomes testing.
Where can I buy original gemstones in Pakistan?
GemStore.pk sells 100% original, lab-verifiable gemstones with nationwide cash on delivery and a 7-day return policy.
Should I consult an astrologer before wearing a stone?
Yes, if you are wearing it for astrological reasons. Our gemstones by zodiac sign guide gives the traditional pairings as a starting point.
How long does delivery take?
Major cities (Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, Peshawar) usually receive parcels in 1–3 working days; other towns in 3–5. You pay the courier on delivery after checking the box, and every parcel is tracked on WhatsApp.
How GemStore.pk can help
Not sure what you are looking at? Send a daylight photo of the stone — or of a listing you found elsewhere — on WhatsApp and we will tell you honestly what it looks like and what a fair price would be. If you decide to buy from us, every piece is sold with its exact carat weight, is lab-verifiable, and can be inspected before you pay. If not, you still leave with a straight answer.
Related guides
- How to Identify Original Ruby (Yaqoot): 5 Simple Checks
- Yellow Sapphire Benefits (Pukhraj) & Who Should Wear It
- Real vs Fake Feroza (Turquoise): How to Tell
- Gemstone Buying Guide Pakistan: Prices, Certification & Tips
Explore more about Natural vs Synthetic Gemstones: check the gemstone price guide for Pakistan, find your stone by zodiac sign.
