Content

• Steps

When it comes to Sapphire, people often think of blue because of the name Emerald, but they also come in red, yellow, orange, green or other mixed colors. Sapphire is naturally found in the ground or underwater. Synthetic Sapphire, also known as Artificial Sapphire, is created in a laboratory. We can distinguish natural Sapphire by looking for imperfections or inclusions within the rock, by breath inspection and testing. For artificial sapphire, observe air bubbles, test the hardness and shine light through the stone. Also, don't forget to ask the seller about their Sapphire.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Observe for signs of real Sapphire

1. 

   
   
   Find the imperfections or inclusions inside. Use a jeweler's magnifying glass with at least 10x magnification for a close look. Natural sapphire is formed with many other small matter in it, so consider those minerals or spots inside the stone. These imperfections are a positive sign that this is the real Sapphire.
   • Lab-created sapphire (imitation rock) does not have natural compost. On the other hand, some natural Sapphire have no defects, but if you find the imperfections, it is natural Sapphire.

2. 

   
   
   Conduct a breath test. Pick up the Sapphire and breathe in to blur the stone. Count how long it took for the mist to start to fade and disappear completely. Natural stone will light up again in just one to two seconds, while artificial Sapphire takes up to five seconds.

3. 

   
   
   Take the Sapphire for inspection. Inspection centers can inspect and identify the gemstone. After testing, they will issue a certificate telling you information about this Sapphire, such as whether it is natural or man-made, whether it has been processed or not, among many other properties.
   • After the gemologists fully examine the stone, they will give you an official confirmation. If your family owns a valuable and natural Sapphire, an inspection should be done to ensure that you will receive the highest value in the event of a transaction.
   • Sapphire that comes with testing will sell for a better price.

   

   Kennon Young

   Gem expert Kennon Young is a gem examiner graduated from GIA, and a JA jewelry technician. He received the highest certification in jewelry appraisal, ASA Gem Appraiser, 2016.

   

   Kennon Young
   Gemstone expert

   Our experts say: Testing by reputable centers is the only way to confirm whether a Sapphire stone is real or not. They will use devices such as a refractometer, magnifying glass, and polarization tester to evaluate the stone. Try to find inspection centers near you or contact someone from gemstone organizations such as the Vietnam Gem Association.

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Method 2 of 3: Distinguish fake Sapphire

1. 

   Check for air bubbles inside the stone. Laboratory sapphire is essentially glass that is put into the same formation process as natural sapphire. Because they are glassy in nature, they still retain air bubbles after they are formed. If you see air bubbles inside the stone then this is not the real Sapphire.
   • You have to rotate the Sapphire and observe from all angles. It is likely that the bubbles are only visible from some angle.

2. 

   Hardness test. If you have two Sapphire and you know for sure one is real, use natural stone to rub against the other. Gems of equal hardness cannot scratch each other, so if both are real Sapphire nothing will happen. If the real Sapphire scratched the other, then the other stone is not natural (or of a lower quality).
   • This method can damage synthetic Sapphire, so you need to consider if you do not want to lose.

3. 

   See how light bounces off the Sapphire. Turn off the lights in the room and shine the flashlight on the stone. True sapphire will only reflect light in the same color as the stone. Fake Sapphire (made from glass) will reflect other colors besides the color of the stone. advertisement

Method 3 of 3: Identify the quality of Sapphire stone

1. 

   Observe the intersections inside the Sapphire. Some natural Sapphire are of such low quality that they cannot be sold. Vendors often hide this by filling in lead glass to improve the quality of the stone. If you see the diagonal cuts inside the stone then most likely this is a real Sapphire but of poor quality.

2. 

   Ask the seller if this is natural stone. If you are considering buying Sapphire from the gems seller don't forget to ask about the product's origin. In order to protect consumers' interests and increase transparency, sellers must disclose information about the gem products they sell.
   • Don't be afraid that you will be harsh or ignorant when asking questions. This is your money so you have the right to know what kind of product you are buying.

3. 

   Ask the seller if this Sapphire is natural or treated. There are many methods used to improve the color and clarity of Sapphire. Although this will make the stone look better, the natural properties will not be much.
   • The treatment does not last forever, so ask how the stone was disposed of and how long it will be lost. After the treatments are gone, the stone will return to its original appearance.
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