Identifying a real Blue Sapphire gemstone (Neelam nag) at home involves several methods that can help you determine its authenticity. Here are some techniques you can use:
1. Visual Inspection
- Color: Genuine Blue Sapphires have a rich, deep blue color that is evenly distributed throughout the stone. The color should not be too dark or too light.
- Clarity: While natural Blue Sapphires may have some inclusions, they should not be overly cloudy. Look for a stone that is relatively clear with minimal inclusions.
- Luster: A real Blue Sapphire should have a bright, glassy luster and should sparkle under light.
2. Touch and Temperature Test
- Cool to Touch: Real gemstones, including Blue Sapphires, are typically cool to the touch and take a while to warm up in your hand.
3. Density and Weight
- Heaviness: Sapphires are relatively dense stones. A real Blue Sapphire will feel heavier than a fake or glass imitation of the same size.
4. Hardness Test
- Scratch Test: Blue Sapphires rank 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Use a piece of glass or a steel knife (which are less hard) to try and scratch an inconspicuous part of the stone. A real Sapphire should not scratch easily.
5. Transparency
- Light Test: Hold the stone up to a light source. A genuine Blue Sapphire should allow light to pass through, showing brilliance and sparkle. However, it should not be completely transparent like glass; there should be some resistance to light.
6. Magnification
- Inclusions: Use a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe to inspect the stone. Natural inclusions (such as tiny cracks or mineral deposits) are common in real Blue Sapphires. These inclusions should look natural and not like air bubbles (which are common in synthetic stones).
7. Fluorescence
- UV Light Test: Some Blue Sapphires may fluoresce under ultraviolet (UV) light. Shine a UV light on the stone in a dark room to see if there is any glowing effect. This isn’t definitive but can be an additional check.
8. Refractive Index Test
- Penlight Test: Shine a small penlight through the gemstone. Look for a double image of the back facets when viewed from the top. This indicates a high refractive index, a characteristic of sapphires.
9. Heat Test
- Heat Resistance: Apply a moderate amount of heat to the stone using a lighter or match for a short time. Real sapphires can withstand heat, but imitations like glass may crack or change color.
10. Water Test
- Immersion: Place the stone in water and observe any changes. Real Blue Sapphires retain their color underwater, whereas some imitations may appear less vibrant.
11. Consultation and Certification
- Expert Consultation: While home tests can provide some indications, the most reliable way to confirm the authenticity of a Blue Sapphire is by consulting a certified gemologist or getting the stone tested at a reputable gem lab.
- Certification: Always ask for a gemstone certificate from a recognized authority when purchasing a Blue Sapphire. This certificate verifies the authenticity and quality of the stone.
Conclusion
By performing these tests, you can gain confidence in the authenticity of your Blue Sapphire. However, for the most accurate results, seek professional evaluation and certification. This ensures that you have a genuine and high-quality gemstone.
Even better you can buy the stone from a reputable seller. You can buy high quality Blue Sapphire (Neelam nag) at affordable prices from Vedic Crystals
For more information about Vedic Crystals and our range of gemstones and rudraksha beads, visit Vedic Crystals website or contact us at contactus@vediccrystals.com/ +91-9811809967 (Whatsapp).
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