Sapphires are one of the most beautiful and sought-after gemstones in the world. They are known for their deep blue color, but can also come in a range of other hues, including yellow, green, pink, and purple. However, with the rise of imitation sapphires flooding the market, it can be difficult to determine if a sapphire is real or not. In this article, we will explore how to tell if a sapphire is real, including key characteristics to look for and methods for testing authenticity.
What Are Sapphires?
Before diving into how to determine if a sapphire is real, it’s important to understand what sapphires actually are. Sapphires are a variety of corundum mineral that is composed of aluminum and oxygen. The deep blue color of sapphires is caused by the presence of small amounts of iron and titanium within the crystal structure. Sapphires have a hardness of 9 on the Mohs Scale, making them one of the most durable gemstones available.
Key Characteristics of Real Sapphires
When trying to determine if a sapphire is real, there are several key characteristics to look for. Here are some of the most important factors to consider:
Color – While sapphires can come in a range of colors, blue sapphires are the most valuable and sought-after. Real blue sapphires should have a deep, rich blue color that is consistent throughout the gemstone. If the color appears too light or cloudy, it may be a sign that the sapphire is fake.
Clarity – Real sapphires should be relatively clear and free of inclusions (internal flaws) or blemishes on the surface. However, it’s important to note that some natural sapphires may have slight inclusions, which can actually enhance the gemstone’s beauty and value. In general, if a sapphire appears too perfect or flawless, it may be a sign of an imitation.
Cut – Sapphires that are cut by hand will have unique, asymmetrical shapes that reflect light in different ways. If a sapphire has a perfectly uniform cut or is overly symmetrical, it may be a sign that it was machine-made and not natural.
Weight – Real sapphires are denser than most imitations, so they should feel heavier for their size. If a sapphire feels too light, it may be made of glass or plastic.
How to Test Sapphire Authenticity
If you’re still unsure if a sapphire is real after examining its key characteristics, there are several methods you can use to test its authenticity. Here are some of the most effective techniques:
Use a Magnifying Glass – One of the easiest ways to determine if a sapphire is real is to examine it closely with a magnifying glass. Look for tiny bubbles or scratches on the surface, which may be a sign of an imitation. You can also check for tiny inclusions, which are often found in natural sapphires.
UV Light Test – Some sapphires will fluoresce under UV light, while others will not. Natural sapphires usually glow blue or violet under UV light, while synthetic sapphires may glow green, yellow, or not at all.
Heat Test – Place the sapphire in question under a small flame for a few seconds and then immediately submerge it into cold water. A real sapphire will not be affected by the heat and will remain unchanged, while an imitation may crack or shatter due to the rapid temperature change.
Density Test – As mentioned earlier, real sapphires are denser than most imitations. To test the density, weigh the sapphire and then drop it into a glass of water. If the sapphire sinks to the bottom, it is likely real. If it floats or hovers near the surface, it may be an imitation.
How can I test blue sapphire?
There are several tests that can be done to determine if a blue sapphire is real or fake:
Visual Inspection:
Look at the gemstone closely with a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe. A genuine blue sapphire will have microscopic inclusions, which are often called “silk.” These inclusions can help you identify the stone as natural.
Hardness Test:
Use a hardness tester to determine the sapphire’s Mohs hardness. Sapphire has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, which makes it one of the hardest gemstones. If the stone scratches easily, it may not be a true sapphire.
Refractive Index Test:
This test involves measuring the gemstone’s refractive index using a refractometer. A genuine blue sapphire will have a refractive index of around 1.76.
Heat Test:
Heat a small needle and touch it to the surface of the stone. If the sapphire is real, it will not be affected by the heat. However, if it is a synthetic sapphire or an imposter, it may melt or get damaged.
It’s important to note that these tests can give you an idea whether a blue sapphire is genuine or not, but they cannot guarantee authenticity. If you want to be absolutely sure, you should consult with a professional gemologist.
Conclusion
Sapphires are stunning gemstones that have captivated people for centuries. Unfortunately, with the rise of imitation sapphires flooding the market, it can be difficult to determine if a sapphire is real or not. By examining key characteristics like color, clarity, cut, and weight, as well as using testing techniques like magnification, UV light, heat, and density tests, you can get a better idea of whether a sapphire is authentic or not. If you’re still unsure, it’s always best to consult with a reputable jeweler or gemologist who can help you verify the stone’s authenticity.
