Imitation gemstones imitate a gemstone from a visual point of view, but they are man-made. To create them, there are various manufacturing methods:

• Stone reconstituted with a mixture of resin, glass or plastic, with natural stone powder and colorants.
• Imitation gemstone created using the hydro process (mixing stone powder from the same family as the stone to be reproduced with tinted glass).
• Resin- or green-based stone, mixed with colorants.

Yes, imitation beads are generally strong and durable! They're ideal for jewelry that's worn frequently.