gems, corundum, synthetic corundum.7, flux ruby, synthetic gems

Boulliard presents an illustrated introduction to the artificial growth of crystals, explaining how humans learned to reproduce in the laboratory minerals that form naturally under geological conditions. The booklet reviews the historical development of crystal synthesis and the principal techniques used to grow crystals, relating each method to the physical and chemical conditions necessary for crystallization. Particular attention is given to synthetic materials of gemological and technological importance and to the distinction between crystal synthesis and simple imitation. The work places modern crystal growth within the longer history of experimental mineralogy, showing how laboratory synthesis has contributed both to understanding natural crystallization and to producing crystals for jewelry, science and industry.