The process developed by Professor August Verneuil and improved by Hrand Djevahirdjian has withstood the test of time. It is still being used in the plant at Monthey.

The synthesis of stones involves fusing alumina – with or without the addition of metallic oxides – using an oxhydrogen blowpipe and producing crystal drop by drop, much like a stalagmite, at a temperature greater than 2000 degrees centigrade.

This process can last for several hours or even days. Fusion has to be conducted continuously in the same area of the downwardly-applied flame so that the crystal can be built up by the superimposition of very fine layers of molten material. This means that the pedestal has to be lowered progressively and the blowpipe fed accurately and regularly.

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