Synthetic gemstones

3D Model

This case contains synthetic gemstones produced using the Verneuil method. These are man-made stones with the same physical and chemical properties as their natural counterparts. The Verneuil process essentially consists of melting pure alumina, in very fine powder form, mixed with a coloring substance (different metal oxides depending on the color to be obtained) using a blowtorch. The molten droplets are collected on a special refractory support on which, as they cool, they crystallize together to form a single pear-shaped crystal. Nickel, chromium, vanadium, titanium, iron, and cobalt oxides were used in these specimens. This case (dimensions 20x16x5) dates back to the 20th century and is kept at the Chemistry Museum of the University of Genoa.

This 3D model was realized by Clarissa Bignoli and Erika Del Bene during the Universal Civil Service (SCU) at UniGe.