Final answer:
Beryl gems like emeralds often undergo treatments such as oiling or epoxy filling to enhance appearance, and gemstones can also be irradiated to improve color. Disclosure of treatments is required but often neglected, creating an asymmetric information issue between buyers and sellers. Imitations may use materials like colored glass or synthetics to replicate natural beryl gems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Common treatments and imitations of gem beryl, such as emerald, include the use of oil or epoxy to fill in cracks and enhance the stone’s color and appearance. Emerald is a type of beryl that turns green due to the presence of small amounts of chromium impurities. Another treatment for gemstones, not just limited to beryl, is irradiation, which is used to enhance the color of diamonds, topaz, and tourmaline. It is a general rule that these treatments should be disclosed to the buyer, but there is often a lack of transparency leading to asymmetric information in such transactions. To mimic beryl gemstones, various materials such as colored glass or synthetic crystals might be presented as natural beryls, making it essential for buyers to ensure the authenticity of their purchases.