17 - Crystal Growth of Gemstones

Abstract

This chapter describes a simple method of growing crystal gemstones. It outlines the growth methods and mentions the flux method as the stones produced closely resemble the natural gems. The flux growth of emerald crystals is described as an example of gemstones. Growth of emerald crystals by the flux evaporation technique has also been introduced to make a collection of man-made gemstones. Crystal growth of gemstones involves precise control of a phase change. Major techniques for the crystal growth of gemstones from melts are the Verneuil and Czochralski methods. Typical growth techniques from solutions are the hydrothermal and flux methods. These methods are outlined and a relatively detailed description of flux growth is given. Well-formed and transparent emerald crystals exhibiting emerald-green color could be easily grown by the evaporation of MoO3, Li2O–MoO3, K2O–MoO3, and MoO3–B2O3 fluxes. Growing beautiful can be done with the minimum of equipment and information.