Imagine a stone that resembles pure, crystal water, shining in the sun. That is the wonder of the White Sapphire. This stone is referred to as Safed Pukhraj in Hindi and has been cherished for centuries. It's a suitable and valuable option if you’re looking for a traditional and classy appearance that resembles a diamond, while also carrying the same Venus energy.
But in a world full of look-alikes and imitations, how do you really know if you're holding a real article? Knowing how to tell Sapphire from an imitation is an essential skill for any gem enthusiast. Follow this guide in-depth to learn everything you'll ever need to know about identifying this gemstone, from basic do-it-yourself tests at home to professional insider tips, so that you can easily tell apart a real gemstone from a counterfeit one.
Learning About the Gemstone: What Is a White Sapphire?
Before we get into how to verify an original White Sapphire, we need to know what constitutes a natural Safed Pukhraj. It's the purest form of the mineral corundum, composed of aluminium oxide. Unlike most Sapphires, which derive their brilliant colour from trace minerals, White Sapphires are clear because they contain no such elements. This makes them a rare treasure, and a stunning gemstone!
A real Sapphire is known for its incredible hardness, ranking a 9 on the Mohs scale. The only stone that is harder is diamonds, being 10. This durability is a key characteristic you’ll use for your identification tests.
Why Is Sapphire Identification So Important?
Understanding how to tell a real Safed Pukhraj from a fake is not simply a question of cost. Possessing a real gemstone is a matter of value and integrity. Imitation stones like glass or cubic zirconia might appear the same, but don't have the durability and everlasting beauty of an actual Sapphire. They will also scratch and wear easily, losing their beauty rapidly.
In addition, for individuals who wear this gemstone for its astrological properties, wearing an authentic, natural stone is necessary to experience its full positive effect.
Easy Gemstone Testing You Can Do at Home
You don't have to be a gemologist to do some simple checks. Here are some easy, home-based methods of White Sapphire testing.
1. The Hardness Test (Scratch Test)
A real White Pukhraj is so hard that it can be used to scratch softer materials without being scratched itself. Carefully attempt to scratch a fragment of glass or another softer gemstone, such as topaz or quartz, with the White Sapphire. A real Pukhraj gemstone will leave a scratch on the softer material, while the Sapphire will remain unharmed. If your stone gets scratched, it is likely a fake.
2. The Light and Brilliance Test
This test helps you understand how the stone interacts with light. Hold the gemstone under a light source. A genuine Pukhraj will be less fiery and less brilliant than a diamond. It will reflect light, but it won't have that bright, rainbow sheen of a diamond. If the gemstone has a way too brilliant, "blazing fire" appearance, it may be cubic zirconia.
3. The Breath Test
This is an easy, fast test for authenticity. Fog the stone by breathing on it, like you would do on a mirror. A true Safed Pukhraj will develop a light fog but clear almost immediately, within one to two seconds. An imitation stone, such as glass, will take a few seconds longer to clear. This is due to the fact that an authentic gemstone does not hold heat as well as imitation materials.
4. The Visual Examination
All you need for this is a magnifying glass or jeweller's loupe, that is 10x magnification. Examine carefully the gemstone's inside and surface. Natural gemstones are never perfect. Check for minute, subtle inclusions or flaws such as "fingerprints," small or curved lines, or minute mineral crystals. These are evidence of the natural formation of the stone. A stone that is absolutely perfect and "too good" to be true may be synthetic.
If you notice any minute gas bubbles that are perfectly round, then your gemstone is not original. This is a typical feature of glass and some synthetic stones. Moreover, the real gemstone’s surface must not be scratched. If you notice nicks or markings, it indicates a softer material that is less resistant.
Natural vs. Synthetic White Sapphire: What's the Difference?
Natural and synthetic White Sapphires share the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical characteristics, like hardness. The main difference is in terms of origin, that is, where they come from.
Natural White Sapphire
It is a naturally occurring gemstone that is developed in the earth over millions of years. It's mined, then polished and cut. Due to its natural occurrence, it can have subtle, special inclusions.
Synthetic White Sapphire
The stone is made in a laboratory under natural-like conditions. Synthetic Pukhraj has the same chemical composition as a natural stone but is less expensive and contains fewer inclusions. Although synthetic Sapphires are still "real" chemically, they do not have the same rarity and astrological energy as a natural stone.
To identify which is a natural stone and which is not, it is important to consult a professional gemologist, as the tests can be a little complicated. A professional will assess the stone under a microscope for certain growth patterns, such as curved striations in some synthetics that are not found in a natural stone.
Professional Gemstone Testing
Although at-home tests can provide an accurate idea, it is best to get it tested professionally by an expert gemologist. A certified gemologist will use the proper equipment and expertise for definitive gemstone testing.
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Refractometer: With this equipment, a gemologist can measure the degree to which light bends as it travels through the stone. An authentic Sapphire will show a specific refractive index.
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Microscope: A gemologist might use a high-powered microscope to identify the intrinsic features of a natural gem, including certain types of inclusions and growth patterns.
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Ultraviolet Light: Under UV light, some synthetic Sapphires will emit with a green glow, which can help in identification.
The best method of guaranteeing that you are purchasing a genuine and natural Pukhraj is to request an authentic gem lab certificate from a known laboratory, like IDT.
Conclusion
To know if a Safed Pukhraj is real or not depends on the qualities of the stone. Through simple tests at home and having the assistance of a professional, you can guarantee that your Safed Pukhraj is a natural gemstone. Its beauty, longevity, and importance make it a perfect substitute for diamond and a ideal option for wedding rings, pendants, or any jewellery you will cherish for a lifetime.
FAQs
Who should not wear White Sapphire?
This gemstone is linked with the planet Venus in Vedic astrology. Individuals having a weak or malefic Venus in their birth chart should take care. Wearing the gemstone without astrological advice might bring more anxiety, financial losses, or even health problems. It is always advised to seek the advice of an astrologer before wearing it to make sure it is good for your individual chart.
Is White Sapphire better than diamonds?
While diamonds are harder and have a more brilliant shine, White Sapphires are a popular substitute with similar astrological energy. They cost significantly less than diamonds, so you can purchase a larger stone for your price range. Ultimately, whether a Safed Pukhraj is "better" for you depends on your individual priorities regarding cost, appearance, and ethics.
Who can wear White Sapphire?
Astrologically, this stone is useful for those individuals who wish to increase the power of the planet Venus and attain positive energies. This is also beneficial for individuals who are looking for success in artistic pursuits. It is a symbol of good luck to those who wish for better relationships, love, and the desire to attract riches and prosperity. The gemstone is also known to bring calmness, serenity, and emotional stability in the wearer's life.
What do White Sapphires symbolise?
This gemstone is a symbol of purity, virtue, and wisdom. They are also related to divine blessings and good luck. In Vedic astrology, this gemstone activates the crown chakra in the wearer's body and helps you connect with the positive energies of the planet Venus.
Which birthstone is White Sapphire?
Safed Pukhraj is one of the forms of Sapphire, which is the birthstone for the month of September. Although anyone can wear it, White Sapphire is particularly important to those who are born in this month.
