Blue Sapphire is a beautiful gemstone widely known for its durability, brilliance, and rich blue colour. It is one of the four precious gemstones, along with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, and is considered a symbol of wisdom, good fortune, and loyalty. However, before wearing a blue sapphire stone, it is important to ensure its authenticity and quality. Thus, below are some of the different methods to test blue sapphire stones before wearing them.
- Visual inspection: The first step in testing a blue sapphire is to inspect it visually. A genuine blue sapphire will have a deep blue colour evenly distributed throughout the stone. It should also have a clear and transparent appearance with no visible inclusions or blemishes. In addition, you should check for symmetry and cut, as well as the overall clarity of the stone.
- Durability test: Blue sapphires are known for their durability, so it is important to test their resistance to scratches and other forms of damage. To perform this test, you can use a Mohs hardness tester, which will give you an idea of the hardness of the stone. A genuine blue sapphire should have a hardness rating of 9 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the hardest gemstones available.
- Specific gravity test: The specific gravity of blue sapphire can also be used to determine its authenticity. This test measures the density of the stone and is typically performed by immersing the stone in a liquid and measuring its weight. The weight of the stone is then compared to the weight of an equal volume of water. A genuine blue sapphire should have a specific gravity of around 3.97 to 4.03, which is higher than other common gemstones.
- Ultraviolet light test: Blue sapphires emit a specific type of light when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. This is due to the presence of trace elements in the stone. To perform this test, you can place the stone under a UV light and observe its reaction. If the stone is genuine, it will emit a blue or yellow fluorescence under UV light.
- Refractometer test: Another method to test the authenticity of blue sapphire is to use a refractometer. This device measures the refractive index of a stone, which is a measure of the way light travels through it. A genuine blue sapphire should have a refractive index of 1.76 to 1.78, which is higher than other common gemstones.
- Certificate of authenticity: One of the most reliable ways to test a blue sapphire is to ask for a certificate of authenticity from the seller. This certificate will provide information about the origin, cut, clarity, and carat weight of the stone, as well as any other relevant details. A certificate of authenticity from a reputable gemological laboratory, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), is a good indicator that the stone is genuine. You need to be especially rigid about this test if you plan on buying blue sapphire online.
- Thermal conductivity test: A blue sapphire can also be tested by measuring its thermal conductivity. This test involves exposing the stone to a controlled temperature and measuring the rate at which it conducts heat. A genuine blue sapphire will conduct heat differently than other gemstones, so this test can be used to determine its authenticity.
- Light transmission test: The way light passes through a blue sapphire can also be used to test its authenticity. This test involves shining a light through the stone and observing the way the light is transmitted. A genuine blue sapphire should have a uniform and transparent appearance, allowing light to pass through it easily.
- X-ray diffraction test: Blue sapphire can be tested using X-ray diffraction. This test involves exposing the stone to X-rays and measuring the way they are diffracted. The diffraction pattern produced by a genuine blue sapphire will be unique and can be used to determine its authenticity.
- Consult a professional gemologist: If you are unsure about the authenticity of blue sapphire, it is always a good idea to consult a professional gemologist. A gemologist is a specialist who has been trained to identify and evaluate gemstones, and they will be able to perform a series of tests to determine the authenticity and quality of your blue sapphire. This is a particularly useful option if you are purchasing an expensive blue sapphire, as a professional evaluation can provide peace of mind and ensure that you are making a wise investment.
- Look for reputable dealers: When shopping for blue sapphire, it is important to look for reputable dealers. Reputable dealers are more likely to sell genuine gemstones and will be able to provide you with a certificate of authenticity if necessary. You can also ask for references and do some research to find out more about the dealer’s reputation and track record.
- Be aware of imitations: Also, it is important to be aware of imitations when shopping for blue sapphire. Imitations, such as synthetic blue sapphires, can look very similar to genuine stones, but they are usually much less expensive. If you are unsure about the authenticity of blue sapphire, it is always a good idea to consult a professional gemologist.
- Look for inclusions: Inclusions are naturally occurring imperfections within a gemstone that can provide information about its authenticity. Inclusions can be seen through a jeweller’s loupe, which is a magnifying glass used to examine gemstones. A genuine blue sapphire will usually have inclusions, but they should be few and small in size. If the inclusions are large or numerous, this may indicate that the stone is not genuine.
- Look for symmetry: Finally, it is important to look for symmetry when shopping for blue sapphire. Symmetry refers to the balance and proportion of the stone, and a genuine blue sapphire should have a well-balanced and proportional cut. If the cut is uneven or asymmetrical, this may indicate that the stone is not genuine.
In conclusion, there are several factors to consider when testing a blue sapphire stone before wearing it. The blue sapphire stone price in India can range from Rs. 2,000 per carat for low-quality blue sapphires to even Rs. 1,00,000 per carat for high-quality blue sapphires. By being aware of these factors and using a combination of tests, you can be confident that your blue sapphire is genuine and of high quality. With proper care and maintenance, a genuine blue sapphire can last a lifetime and be a cherished piece of jewellery.