---
title: "Flux growth: meaning in gemology"
description: "Flux growth is a way to grow synthetic crystals from a chemical solvent (flux). Crystals form as the hot solution slowly cools."
url: https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/flux-growth
image: https://digitalgemology.com/img/og-digital-gemology.png?v=d224fb01
---

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[Glossary](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary) · Treatments and origin

# Flux growth

Also called flux-grown

Flux growth is a way to grow synthetic crystals from a chemical solvent (flux). Crystals form as the hot solution slowly cools.

## In more detail

It is used for synthetic emerald, ruby, sapphire, alexandrite and spinel. Growth can take up to a year. Flux remains can form fingerprint-like patterns that look like natural ones. Platinum platelets from the crucible show that a stone is synthetic.

## On a grading report

Labs report the stone as laboratory-grown (synthetic).

## Related terms

- [Synthetic gemstone](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/synthetic-gemstone): A synthetic gemstone is made in a laboratory and has essentially the same chemistry and properties as the natural gem. A synthetic ruby is ruby, made by people.
- [Flame fusion](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/flame-fusion): Flame fusion grows synthetic crystals by dropping fine powder through a very hot flame. The melted drops build up a crystal on a pedestal below.
- [Hydrothermal growth](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/hydrothermal-growth): Hydrothermal growth makes synthetic crystals in a hot water solution under high pressure.
- [Fingerprint](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/fingerprint): A fingerprint is a pattern of tiny fluid or glassy drops left where a crack inside the crystal healed. It often looks like a human fingerprint.
- [Emerald](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/emerald): Emerald is the green to bluish green variety of the mineral beryl. Chromium, vanadium or both cause its color.

[All 328 terms](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary)