Natural vs. Synthetic Blue Sapphire: Surprising Differences You Must Know

Natural vs lab-created Blue Sapphire? What renders one of them, superior or inferior to the other? Above all, what are natural and lab-created sapphires' characteristics that distinguish one from the other? Natural and synthetic Blue Sapphire may appear similar, but they are completely different from one another. 

However, a layman cannot distinguish between the two if planning to purchase any of them. And it is of utmost importance that you know the dissimilarities between both variety to make the best and informed gemstone purchase. If you are planning to buy natural Blue Sapphire online, read on to explore the difference between natural Blue Sapphire vs synthetic Blue Sapphire! 

How to Check Real Vs Fake Blue Sapphire?

Blue Sapphire/Neelam is a highly sought after gemstone, commanding a high price in the market. To meet the growing demand and bring forth a more affordable option synthetic Blue Sapphire were invented. And it is okay to buy any of these depending on your need and budget. 

However, you must know how to differentiate between the two to ensure you are getting what you are paying for. Here is how you can differentiate between natural vs lab-created Blue Sapphire –

Visual Inspection

Color & Clarity: The first aspect to look for when identifying a natural and synthetic Neelam stone is color. Natural Blue Sapphire stone exhibits a desirable true blue or violet-blue color with inclusions and color zoning unique to their formation process. Whereas synthetic stone displays a more uniform color with zero or fewer inclusions compared to natural one. 

Growth Patterns: A stone’s growth pattern can also help distinguish between natural and synthetic specimens. A natural Neelam’s growth pattern display straight of angular growth lines. On the contrary, lab created Neelam shows curved growth lines. 

Presence of Inclusions

Inclusions appear very dissimilar in natural and synthetic gemstones, the same goes of Blue Sapphire too. 

Natural Stone Inclusions

Here are the types of inclusions that we can see in natural Neelam gemstone –

Mineral Crystals: Small crystal formations of other minerals. 

Needles & Rutiles: Fine, needle-like inclusions, usually in interesting patterns. 

Zoning: Some color zoning is seen in natural Neelam due to trace element’s uneven distribution. 

Synthetic Stone Inclusions

Gas Bubbles: Round and oval-shaped gas bubbles are common in synthetic Blue Sapphires. 

Curve Striae: Synthetic stones usually show curved growth lines which are uncommon for natural stones. 

Refractive Index & Specific Gravity

Refractive Index: Both natural and synthetic Blue Sapphire have similar refractive index, ranging from 1.762-1.770. Slight variations can be detected using accurate instruments. 

Specific Gravity: Again, specific gravity is also similar for both, approximately 4.00. The differences are subtle, which can be identified using precise instruments. 

Spectroscopic Analysis

Spectroscopy consists of examining the light absorption and emission characteristics of a gemstone. Natural and synthetic sapphires will have varying spectroscopic signatures as a result of differences in trace element content and distribution.

Advanced Testing Methods

X-ray Diffraction: Gives precise details of the crystal structure, which can be utilized to differentiate between natural and synthetic Blue Sapphires.

Luminescence: Synthetic Blue Sapphires can have varying luminescence under ultraviolet light from natural Blue Sapphires.

Certifications

Finally, if you want to distinguish between lab-created vs genuine Sapphire, ask your gemstone seller for certificates from trusted institutions such as GIA, GRS, IGI, IGS and more. These certificates authenticate Blue Sapphire’s color, clarity grade, carat, cut, origin, treatment history and other significant information. 

Natural Vs Synthetic Blue Sapphire Price 

Blue Sapphire stone price depends on its key quality factors such as color, clarity, carat, cut, and origin. Besides everything being similar between natural vs lab created Blue Sapphire, there is a significant difference in their prices. As expected, natural specimen costs more than lab created one as the fact “synthetic” comes into the picture. 

Natural Blue Sapphire Price

Low Quality: ₹1,500 - ₹5,000 per carat

Medium Quality: ₹10,000 - ₹40,000 per carat

High Quality: ₹50,000 - ₹1,50,000+ per carat

Top-tier: ₹2,00,000 - ₹10,00,000+ per carat

Synthetic Blue Sapphire Price

Low Quality: ₹1,000 - ₹3,000 per carat

Medium Quality: ₹4,000 - ₹15,000 per carat

High Quality: ₹20,000 - ₹50,000 per carat

Best Natural Blue Sapphire for Astrology

If you are wearing Blue Sapphire to gain its astrological benefits, it is best to go for natural, high-quality, certified, and untreated stone. Natural and high-quality gemstone carries higher vibrations, energies, healing properties and astrological benefits. 

If possible, go for Ceylon Blue Sapphire, or Neelam from Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Australia, or other reliable sources. Most astrologers suggest wearing an original Neelam gemstone – the best Blue Sapphire for astrology. 

Where to Buy Certified Blue Sapphire?

If you want to buy Blue Sapphire for jewelry and aesthetic purposes, then synthetic Blue Sapphire is the way to go. But if you want to gain the cosmic astrological benefits and healing properties of Neelam Stone, then nothing compares to a natural specimen. A natural Neelam gemstone can bring life-changing transformation into your life when worn under expert guidance. 

So, from where can you buy natural and certified Blue Sapphire? The answer is none other than GemsRoot! At GemsRoot, we offer 100% original and certified Blue Sapphire at the best prices (No-Cost EMI option available). Our gemstones are authentic, ethically, sustainably sourced, and conflict-free. We also offer accurate gem advice based on your date of birth, birth chart and Lagna. Get in touch with us today! 

FAQs

How to check if Blue Sapphire is natural or synthetic?

If you want to check if Blue Sapphire is natural or synthetic, you need to look for the following factors including color, clarity, inclusions, specific gravity, refractive index, and other such factors. Most importantly, ask for certifications from your seller. These certifications help authenticate gemstone’s color, clarity, origin, and overall quality of the stone, ensuring it is natural and not lab created. 

What is the best type of Blue Sapphire?

The best type of Blue Sapphire exhibits vivid, royal, velvety blue color, even color distribution, minimal inclusions, high transparency, and no color zoning. The best quality Blue Sapphires are said to come from Kashmir, known as Kashmir Blue Sapphires, famous for their dark blue to violet-blue hues. However, their mining was halted in 1938. 

Which country has the best quality Blue Sapphire?

Some locations are famous for producing better quality Blue Sapphires (Neelam) compared to others. Today, the finest quality Blue Sapphires come from Sri Lanka, they go by the trade name – Ceylon Blue Sapphire. Sri Lankan Blue Sapphire stones are prized for their unique “cornflower” blue color along with excellent clarity, large carat sizes, and much more. 

How do I know Neelam is working?

If you are wearing a natural Neelam/Blue Sapphire, results will start showing in 2 days or in a week, maximum. With the healing and astrological properties of this gem, you shall feel your personal and professional life problems improving. You should see growth in your finances, career, job, marital life, happiness, and see resolved conflicts. 

What is the negative impact of Neelam?

There is no negative impact of Neelam gemstone if it is suitable for you. Be it Neelam or any other gem, if not suitable for you, it can lead to adverse consequences. Blue Sapphire, if not suitable for you can increase the malefic effects of Saturn (Shani), leading obstacles, delays, or struggling in life. Some people can also experience fatigue, headaches, orrestlessness. That is why it is recommended to wear Neelam after expert consultation only.