How to identify neelam (blue sapphire)?

In market both natural and synthetic blue sapphires are available. Separation of natural blue sapphire from synthetic by naked eye is nearly impossible, even gemologist fail at certain level to separate them visually. The natural sapphires that we get in market are mostly treated (heat & diffusion). It is again difficult to identify these treatments with naked eyes.

First, never ever separate a blue sapphire from other blue gemstones only on the basis of shade, since blue sapphire comes in all shades of blue.

There are basically 3-4 gemstones that appear (replicate) as blue sapphire. These are Iolite, Tanzanite, Benitoite and Man-made blue glass.

Separation of Blue Sapphire from Iolite: If Iolite is rotated from different direction it will show a shade of yellow which doesn't appear in blue sapphire. So if your blue sapphire doesn't show yellow shade then you can be certain that it is at least not Iolite. Note: Sometimes iron staining in blue sapphire can be the cause for yellow shade. So this is not conclusive evidence.

Separation of Blue Sapphire from Benitoite: Benitoite is a rare gemstone and it is less likely that you will encounter it. However, you can separate Benitoite with "doubling test". When you look through facets of Benitoite towards culet, culet will appear as two. Even inclusions inside Benitoite will sometimes appear as two. This is a confirmatory test as there is only one natural blue stone with doubling effect.

Separation of Blue Sapphire from Tanzanite: Tanzanite shows three shades of blue when looked through dichroscope whereas blue sapphire will show only two shades of blue. You can also separate it with instrument called refractometer. Eye separation of tanzanite from blue sapphire is difficult. It requires certain instruments to get it separated.

Refractometer is an instrument which checks the R.I. (refractive index) of gemstones. It is a "life saver" for many people involved in gemstone trade. One can separate more than 50% of the gemstone solely on the basis of this small instrument. I personally suggest everyone involved in this filed to buy this instrument.

Separation of Blue Sapphire from Man-made blue glass: Glass is a good simulant for all gemstones. All man-made glass has "gas bubble" inclusions which appears as round or oval or elongated. New people might find it difficult to identify "gas bubbles" and separate them from crystal fingerprints but with few practice one can easily separate between "gas bubbles" and "crystal fingerprints".

One more thing to add, blue sapphire (variety of corundum) is generally heavier than all these stones (Iolite, Tanzanite, Benitoite & Blue glass). That is, if the same mass of all the stones are weighted blue sapphire will weight heavier.

A word of caution: If you are even 1% unsure whether your gemstone is genuine or not then it is highly recommended that you get it certified from a reputable gemological lab.

thanks for valuable information..

hi..

i am sending you a web link of the gem which i bought from a seller and could you please tell me by judging from pictures whether it is real or fake gem. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280355549194

thanks

The gemstone shown in the above link should be blue sapphire.

Since this gemstone is very clean it is not possible to make out whether it is natural or synthetic under the basis of picture.

Sapphires (mostly yellow and blue) which comes from Bangkok (Thailand) are mostly heat treated. Even "natural colorless sapphire" are converted to "natural blue sapphire" with heat treatment.

thanks....you mean to say that it could be synthetic ?

Generally, heat treatments are done in "natural gemstone" but heat treated "synthetic gemstone" are also available in market. Since your blue sapphire is said to be heat treated so it should not be synthetic but this should not be taken as confirmatory. Only a gemological lab or expert in gemological field can ascertain whether your stone is natural or synthetic after instrument testings.

"Rule of Thumb" - If a gemstone is very clean and price is very low then chances are that the stone is synthetic / fake.

To identify the original sapphire easiest way is to verify through Magnifying glass. If it is original the inner structure of sapphire is little messy but the synthetic sapphire looks very straight and ordered.
Similarly the easiest way to identify the synthetic Loose Diamonds is same but we cant relay only on magnifying glass.

hi..

i am sending you a web link of the gem which i bought from a seller and could you please tell me by judging from pictures whether it is real or fake gem
http://cgi.ebay.in/8-2-Ct-VVS-Most-Superior-Quality-Natural-Blue-Sapphire-/280576103449?pt=IN_Jewellery&hash=item4153a39419
kindly ignore the last photograph it is of different stone
THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR QUICK REPLY
REGARDS
ablublu

Sir,
Please check this link.
http://cgi.ebay.in/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230560678623&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

I have purchased this stone and the vendor has given me the certificate also they have given in writing through official email that this stone belongs to ceylon. I have tested through a local lab and they have even mentioned that it is a natural one.
But wen i see it in light i do not find any inclusion. Wen spoken to the dealer they mentioned that they cut in such a way that the inclusion part is in the corner any due to cutting the small inclusions get hidden in the shadow. Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks.

i want to now how i can identify sapphire bc i want go in to the biz

Dear Sir,
I want to buy Original Neelam stone......... from where i get original neelam 6 Carat please give the address from where i get original Guarantee one.

Awaiting your reply,
Shah.

i want to buy a neelam
how i indetify that is original

recently i bought neelam from india.The colour of the neelam is light sky blue,but when i wear in my finger it
appear to be light bluish voilet.It is clear gem stone.Please let me know whether it is orignal.

Thank you. This is very helpful :-)

i thought of going to india to buy blue.so how i can identify the real gem stone

very valuable info 4 common masses .than you.....

thanks for the valuable info.

I inherited an oval blue sapphire from my grandmother who received as a gift from grandfather sometime between 1935 and 1954. It's a rich blue color, about 2+carats with six small diamonds flanking (3 each side), set in 14k white gold. From what I know, grandfather was a jeweler for some time during that period in Philadelphia, located in Jewlers row.
I don't know if it is a natural stone and my question is, were lab created stones prevalent back then? The stone is very brilliant blue and seems to be very well cut. Any insight would be appreciated.

the gem which i bought from a seller and could you please tell me by judging from pictures whether it is real or fake gem.

Recently bought A Neelam stone from a big temple in Mussorie,who claims to reward Rs5Lac if any body says the stone sold by him is not original.Should I be assured that the stone was original?
But orginality may also known by the result (+ve or - ve)expected of wearing stone.
Is there any Gharelu Tarike to judge ?

Sir,
Can you please help me out to check this link http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140627709490, i purchased the ring with 1.5ct sapphire round stone, wanted to know if it could be geniune or it might be fake from the pictures.
Thanks in advance

hello, i would like to know what is natural Sapphire Glass Stones. seller says it's natural, not imitation, please explain.
waiting for your reply
thanks

Meggie,

I can see color zoning in it. This is a possible sign of natural blue sapphire. However, a confirmatory test is required by gemologist to stamp it as a natural blue sapphire.

Just a suggestion, whenever purchasing a gemstone online or offline always ask for a certificated certified by trusted lab.