Jewelry Details: Heliodor Value, Cost, and Insights
Article: Understanding the Differences Between Natural and Lab-Created Heliodors
Heliodor, a variety of golden beryl, has been captivating gem enthusiasts for centuries. This vibrant, golden-yellow gemstone can be found in various sources worldwide, each offering unique characteristics. However, the rise of lab-created Heliodors has introduced a new dimension to the market.
Natural Heliodor is a gemstone formed over thousands to millions of years in natural geological environments such as pegmatites. These gemstones often show natural growth features like prismatic crystals with etched faces and may contain minor chemical variations and inclusions due to their natural formation.
On the other hand, Lab-created Heliodors are synthetically produced in controlled laboratory conditions, typically via hydrothermal or flux growth methods. This process allows the gemstone to form in weeks to months rather than millennia, offering consistent color, clarity, and fewer inclusions.
The main difference between the two lies in their origin and formation processes. While natural Heliodors take thousands to millions of years to form, lab-created Heliodors are engineered to replicate the natural gemstone’s properties in a laboratory within a much shorter timeframe.
Other differences include the formation time, origin, inclusions and growth features, treatment possibilities, value, and price. Lab-created Heliodors are generally more affordable and accessible, while natural Heliodors are more valued and priced higher due to their rarity.
It is essential to disclose the origin of Heliodors in sales to prevent consumer confusion, as lab-created Heliodors are considered synthetic.
Heliodors make durable jewelry stones, whether faceted or cabbed. Some cabbed heliodors may show chatoyancy (a "cat's eye" effect). The name "heliodor" originated as a trade name for golden beryl from Roessing, Namibia but now encompasses any gem-quality, golden-yellow beryl.
Some controversy surrounds heliodors from Zelatoya Vada, Tajikistan, which may be treated aquamarines and/or colorless beryls (goshenite). Notable, sizable heliodors can be found in museum collections, such as those at the British Museum (London), Royal Ontario Museum (Toronto), and Smithsonian Institution (Washington, DC).
Heliodor can have a range of yellow colors, including pale yellow, greenish yellow, orange-yellow, and deep golden orange. Consult the gemstone jewelry care guide for more recommendations on caring for heliodor gemstones.
In conclusion, while both natural and lab-created Heliodors share similar physical and chemical properties, their origin and market perception differ significantly. Understanding these differences can help consumers make informed decisions when purchasing Heliodor jewelry.
References:
- Geology.com. (n.d.). Heliodor. Retrieved December 1, 2022, from https://www.geology.com/minerals/heliodor/heliodor.shtml
- GemSelect. (n.d.). Heliodor. Retrieved December 1, 2022, from https://www.gemselect.com/gemstones/heliodor.html
- International Gem Society. (n.d.). Heliodor. Retrieved December 1, 2022, from https://www.gemsociety.org/gem-encyclopedia/heliodor.html
- American Gem Society. (n.d.). Lab-Created Gems. Retrieved December 1, 2022, from https://www.americangemsociety.org/consumer-education/lab-created-gems/
- The process of creating lab-created Heliodors is different from the natural formation of these gemstones in the earth's geological environments, such as pegmatites.
- Laboratory-produced Heliodors often show fewer inclusions and growth features as they are created in controlled conditions.
- While both natural and lab-created Heliodors share similar chemical properties, natural Heliodors, due to their rarity, are more valued and priced higher in the gemology market.
- Understanding the differences between natural and lab-created Heliodors is important for consumers to make informed decisions regarding their health-and-wellness choices, as it helps prevent consumer confusion and promote transparency in sales.
