Natural sapphire has a heterogeneous structure with noticeable inclusions. There are no gas bubbles in it, and its hardness is similar to that of diamond. A quality natural stone costs from several hundred to several thousand dollars per carat.
Instructions
Step 1
To distinguish natural sapphire from artificial sapphire for the uninitiated in all the subtleties of mining and finishing can be difficult for a person. However, there are certain signs that are characteristic of natural stones that even an inexperienced buyer can identify. But if you are planning to purchase an expensive piece of jewelry, then it is better to show the product to a specialist before buying.
Step 2
Sapphire is a gemstone that ranges in color from colorless to purple, and only a rare natural stone does not change color under artificial light. Therefore, you need to look at the stone first in daylight, and then in the light of an ordinary electric lamp. The unnatural stone will change its color. Real Kashmir sapphire has a peculiar velvety cornflower blue hue. Burmese stones and Ceylon gems are distinguished by the so-called "silk". These are needle-shaped fibers that, crossing, form an angle of 60 °. And this can be seen if you arm yourself with a magnifying glass.
Step 3
Now carefully examine the stone for inclusions and gas bubbles. Artificial stone, as a rule, is more beautiful, it has a homogeneous structure with an admixture of gas bubbles. Natural sapphire is not susceptible to defects, but at the same time noticeable inclusions are found in it.
Step 4
However, on sale there are often composite gemstones, consisting of two or more parts - doublets. In the upper part of such a product there can be a real sapphire, and in the lower part there can be a cheap artificial or natural stone. Look at the stone through a magnifying glass: it will reveal the line connecting the two parts.
Step 5
Sapphire is very easy to confuse with tanzanite and blue spinel. To prevent this from happening, you need to arm yourself with a special device for measuring the refraction of light - a refractometer. Tanzanite has a refractive index of 1, 7, spinel - 1, 72, but real sapphire has a much higher index - 1, 76-1, 77. In addition, blue spinel is too dark in color and can only be confused with low quality sapphire. while tanzanite has a slight reddish tint.
Step 6
The hardness indicator of natural stone will help to distinguish natural from artificial sapphire. It is only one unit behind the diamond, so the edges of the stone will be sharp and even. And if you run something hard over a natural stone, not a trace will remain on its surface. It is advisable to use a stone with a hardness of 8, 5 on the Moss scale for these purposes. A high-quality natural sapphire can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars per carat, and upon purchase you are required to issue a certificate for the stone.
