How do I identify genuine blue sapphire from synthetic ones?
Blue sapphire is a powerful gemstone used widely for astrology and jewelry purposes. Identifying its authenticity is important as anyone for any of these demands a pure natural stone. In astrology only original blue sapphire stone is first priority as it brings maximum Shani benefits. These gems are also a good investment. Jewelry made of blue sapphire is highly durable. They also have good significance. Blue sapphire meaning refers to love and commitment.
While these sapphires stay high in demand their substitutes are spreading in the market like fire. You can see lab created and synthetic sapphires in the market. They look similar to the natural sapphires when viewed in one glance but there is a great difference in properties.
In this blog we will discuss these differences and how you can identify natural blue sapphire from synthetic ones.
Natural Blue Sapphire vs Synthetic Blue Sapphire
Both these gems have a different occurrence.
Natural blue sapphires are formed inside the earth surface. The formation takes millions of years and is formed under high pressure and temperature conditions. Two natural sapphires are different in appearance. For instance one might have a vivid blue color while the other might have a pale color.
Synthetic blue sapphires are created in the lab under similar considerations as that of original sapphires. These synthetic stones are formed in a week inside the laboratory conditions.
8 Ways to Identify a Genuine Blue Sapphire
- Look for Natural Inclusions
The best way to identify a natural sapphire from a synthetic one is by looking for natural inclusions. Natural blue sapphires contain inclusions which are inside them from the time they are formed. Blue sapphires have needle-like inclusions inside them. Synthetic sapphires are eye clean stones.
- Observe the Color Distribution
Original sapphires might show color zoning. Rare blue sapphires have high color saturation Synthetic sapphires exhibit even color distribution. These stones have artificial color saturation.
- Check for Growth Lines
Natural neelam stone has natural growth zones whereas synthetic sapphires show bullseye growth zones.
- Examine the Stone Under Different Lighting
Under different lightning conditions natural blue sapphires show different colors. If you turn the sapphire in daylight it will show a different color compared to the one seen in other lighting conditions. Synthetic sapphires feature one color only in every lighting conditions.
- Consider the Price
The most important difference between the two is about the price.
The natural blue sapphire stone price starts from INR 5000 to INR 5 lakhs. The price of sapphire depends upon the 4C’s, color, clarity, cut and carat weight. Other factors such as origin and treatment also play an important role in determining the price of the stone.
In the market you may find synthetic sapphires being sold at the price of natural sapphires. Be cautious of such sellers.
- Check for Air Bubbles
Air bubbles are not found inside natural neelam stone. Glass imitation and low quality synthetic sapphires show air bubbles inside them.
- Ask for a Gemstone Certification
To identify the authenticity of the gemstone certificate is the only way. An authentic certification mentions that the sapphire is:
- Natural
- Synthetic
- Treated
- Untreated
- Carat weight
- Color
- Origin
- Dimensions
- Buy from a Trusted Gemstone Seller
Choosing a reputable gemstone seller helps you select an original blue sapphire.
Choose a gemstone dealer who provides you:
- Provide laboratory certificate from renowned laboratories
- Discloses treatments
- Operating online or offline customers review is main
- Shares complete gemstone features
Can You Identify a Genuine Blue Sapphire at Home?
Here are simple ways to identify a genuine blue sapphire stone at home:
- Natural inclusions
- Color zoning
- Price offered
- Overall surface quality
To conclude, identifying a real blue sapphire from synthetic ones is not an easy task. It is important to buy blue sapphire from reputable sellers only like Navratan who provide you an authentic gemstone certificate with every stone.
