Originally posted by The CyberPoet
It should be possible to discern the difference between a dino-based synthetic vs. a polyalpha-olefins (a.k.a. ground up synthetic) via a SEM or perhaps TEM image. The carbon chains would be different in the sub-atomic structures (diameter, lengths, resistivity, continuity, etc.) unless the processing of the two products migrates into a single-homogenous chain (in which case there would be no need for a fully synthetic oil).
Synthetic oils made from organic compounds (or synthetic hydrocarbons) re-arrange the atomic structures so all molecules are uniform in size, shape and weight, and as you pointed out, it does not occur naturally. Almost all synthetic motor oils are fabricated by polymerizing short chain hydrocarbon molecules into longer chain hydrocarbon polymers (you can even modify the oil's characteristics by inputting different molecular weights into the final formula).
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