Yellow sapphire, or Pukhraj, is a gemstone that quite possibly does not require an introduction, thanks to its great advantages, which we all have heard one way or another. It's said to confer wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. In India, it's commonly worn as a strong astrological remedy to boost the favour of the planet Jupiter (Guru Grah). But did you know that yellow sapphires are not all alike? The market is flooded with imitations of precious gemstones such as Pukhraj. There is a vast difference between natural yellow sapphires and man-made or artificially produced yellow sapphires.
In this article, we are going to take you step-by-step through everything you should know about natural yellow sapphires and synthetic yellow sapphires. By the time you are done reading, you'll know how to identify the difference, why it's important, and which one is right for you.
What is a Natural Yellow Sapphire?
A natural yellow sapphire is a gem that's created far beneath the surface of the Earth over the course of millions of years. These stones are formed when minerals such as aluminium and iron blend under intense pressure and heat, generating the radiant, golden-yellow hue we adore.
What is so remarkable about a natural yellow sapphire is where it comes from. It's one of a kind, created by nature, making each stone uniquely its own. Natural yellow sapphires, also known as original Pukhraj stones, originate from specific regions, such as Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) and Thailand (Bangkok), where the geological conditions are ideal for their formation.
Astrologically, naturally occurring Pukhraj is said to promote prosperity, wisdom, and success. If you are an astrology believer, wearing a real yellow sapphire can have deep personal meaning.
What are Synthetic Yellow Sapphire Gemstones?
In contrast, synthetic yellow sapphires are created in a lab. They are made through special processes that imitate the natural process, but take much less time. Synthetic yellow sapphires contain the same chemical composition as the natural ones; they are also composed of aluminium oxide, and it's iron that gives them their yellow colour, but they don't occur inside the Earth. Rather, they are "grown" in a laboratory.
These lab-created yellow sapphires, however budget-friendly they might be, lack the same mystique and astrological power as an original Pukhraj stone. While they appear very much like natural sapphires, they do not possess the energy gained from taking thousands of years to form.
Natural vs Synthetic Yellow Sapphires - Key Differences
Let's summarise the differences between natural yellow sapphires and synthetic yellow sapphires in some easy-to-understand points:
Origin and Formation
The most obvious difference between natural yellow sapphires and fake (synthetic) yellow sapphires is their origin, i.e, where they come from and how they are formed. A natural yellow sapphire develops deep inside the Earth over millions of years, whereas a synthetic yellow sapphire is produced in a laboratory within weeks. The natural process produces stones with distinctive inclusions (small imperfections) that make every stone have its own personality.
By contrast, synthetic yellow sapphires tend to be perfect and flawless, but this makes them look slightly too "perfect" in comparison to their natural variants. It’s this process of nature that infuses a certain type of energy into the stone, giving it a more real and powerful feel.
Chemical Composition
Natural and synthetic yellow sapphires are composed of the same fundamental ingredients, i.e, aluminium oxide with traces of iron. However, how they are created is the primary differentiating factor. Natural sapphires may have small inclusions or chemical variations that lend them character. Synthetic sapphires will be more consistent in composition since they are grown under controlled conditions.
Physical Properties
Physically, both forms of sapphires are extremely hard. They both rate 9 on the Mohs scale, indicating they are durable and resistant to scratching. Hence, both natural yellow sapphires and lab-created yellow sapphires are perfect for daily wear.
But natural stones usually have a little more sophisticated light reflection and internal fire, producing a richer, more luminous glow that seems to come from within. When you hold one, you'll know what we're talking about! Synthetic stones may be lacking in this richness and can, on occasion, look a bit two-dimensional, even though they have dazzling colour.
Must Read: How to Identify Real vs Fake Yellow Sapphire
The Magic of Yellow Sapphire's Colour
The bold yellow hue of yellow sapphires is the very thing that attracts so many to them. But have you ever thought about how yellow sapphires turn yellow? Let's have a closer look at how this happens, and how it can vary between natural to synthetic stone.
What Makes the Yellow Colour in Yellow Sapphire?
The yellow colour in a yellow sapphire is due to trace amounts of iron. When the aluminium oxide crystallises and cools into the sapphire, the iron gets incorporated into the crystal matrix, providing the golden yellow colour. The level of iron within the stone determines the depth and richness of the colour.
Difference in Colour Intensity Between Natural and Synthetic Stones
A natural yellow sapphire is normally more diversified in colour. There are certain stones that are deep golden yellow and others in a softer, paler form (Such as Srilankan Pukhraj stones). These variations of colour in nature are the beauty of it.
There are treatments that are performed on a yellow sapphire in order to deepen its colour and enhance its clarity, but the situation is different for Synthetic yellow sapphires. They look perfect, not due to any treatment; they look flawless because they are synthetic. They normally have a very even colour, with no inclusions (unless those are intentionally added). They can look somewhat brighter or more "perfect," but obviously, they don't carry the characteristics and qualities of a natural pukhraj stone.
How Colour Affects Value and Authenticity
When it’s about value, the intensity of the colour of the yellow sapphire is extremely crucial. The more vibrant and deeper the colour of the yellow, the greater the value of the gem, particularly if it is natural. Please bear in mind that when we say the colour has to be intense, we mean that it needs to be absolutely natural and not enhanced or produced artificially. Synthetic yellow sapphires are cheaper, of course, because they don't have the same level of rarity or striking colour that natural sapphires have.
Identifying Synthetic vs Natural Yellow Sapphires
If you are in the market for a yellow sapphire and want to ensure it is natural, there are indicators you can look out for:
-
Inclusions: Natural sapphires almost always have tiny imperfections or inclusions that make them unique. In contrast, synthetic sapphires are usually perfect and flawless.
-
Price: The price of natural yellow sapphires will generally be higher than that of synthetic sapphires because of their rarity and formation process.
-
Certification: You should always ask for certification when buying a yellow sapphire. A reliable seller would be able to give you a certificate that showcases it’s identity verification.
Astrological Importance of Natural Yellow Sapphires
Yellow sapphires in astrology correspond to the planet Jupiter, which is also known as the planet of wisdom, prosperity, and fortune. Wearing a natural Pukhraj stone is said to strengthen Jupiter's positivity in your life. Natural yellow sapphires are worn by many to bring wealth, academic success, and spiritual development.
Why Synthetic Stones Don't Possess the Same Astrological Strength
Although synthetic yellow sapphires are chemically the same as natural ones, they are not thought to possess the same astrological energy. In astrology, it's believed that the Earth's natural energy, built up over millions of years, can't be recreated in a lab. So, although a synthetic yellow sapphire can look fantastic, it won't have the same beneficial effect on your life as a natural yellow sapphire.
Conclusion
When choosing between a synthetic yellow sapphire and a natural yellow sapphire, it really just comes down to what you want. If you want a stone that has great astrological meaning, truly unique beauty, and a feeling of personal connection, then a natural yellow sapphire is the choice for you. It comes with the ancient power of the planet Jupiter, which makes it more than a beautiful gemstone; it signifies knowledge and good fortune.
If, however, you are looking for something cheaper that resembles the original, then a synthetic yellow sapphire might be a good choice for you. But keep in mind that in the realm of astrology and the actual power of a pukhraj stone, nothing can compare to the original natural one.
FAQs
What are the differences between natural and synthetic yellow sapphire?
The primary difference is the source. Natural yellow sapphires are created over a period of millions of years deep inside the Earth, whereas synthetic yellow sapphires are created in a lab under controlled conditions. They share the same chemical composition, but natural sapphires tend to possess characteristic imperfections (inclusions), whereas synthetic sapphires are normally without flaws.
Is synthetic yellow sapphire comparable to natural yellow sapphire?
Synthetic yellow sapphires are chemically the same as natural ones, but they lack the history and astrological significance. Natural stones, in many people's opinions, have a special energy, whereas synthetic stones do not. In case you are looking for astrological benefits or the distinct charm of a natural gemstone, a natural Pukhraj is typically the one that's preferred.
How do I know if my yellow sapphire is natural or synthetic?
The simplest way to determine is by taking a close look. Natural yellow sapphires will have some very small inclusions, which are natural flaws within the stone. Synthetic yellow sapphires will typically have fewer inclusions and are usually more flawless. You can also examine the cost; natural stones are usually much higher priced. For surety, always request a certificate of authenticity from a well-established jeweller.
Can a synthetic yellow sapphire possess astrological advantages?
Synthetic yellow sapphires lack the astrological strength of the natural yellow sapphires. In astrology, the natural gemstones are supposed to imbibe the energy of the Earth over millions of years, which adds to their power to influence your life. Synthetic stones, being artificial, are not considered to possess the same spiritual or astrological influence, although they both contain the same chemicals.
Are synthetic yellow sapphires cheaper than natural ones?
Yes, synthetic yellow sapphires are generally much less expensive than natural yellow sapphires. Because they are created in a laboratory and do not take millions of years to form naturally, and don't need to be mined from Earth, the cost is much lower for obvious reasons. If you're someone who wants the appearance of a yellow sapphire but needs something very economical, a synthetic yellow sapphire may be considered, although it won’t carry the same astrological significance, and hence won't bring any benefits upon wearing.
