How to Identify Original Yellow Sapphire: A Detailed Guide
Identifying an original Yellow Sapphire, known as ‘Pukhraj’ in Vedic astrology, requires a discerning eye and knowledge of key characteristics that distinguish genuine stones from imitations. While professional assessment is always recommended, here are several methods you can use to identify an original Yellow Sapphire:
1. Color and Transparency
- Uniform Color: Genuine Yellow Sapphire has a consistent and uniform yellow color. Variations or uneven color distribution might indicate a synthetic or treated stone.
- Transparency: Look for high clarity. The stone should be transparent and free from cloudiness, which is a common trait in fake or lower quality stones.
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2. Inclusions
- Natural Inclusions: Authentic Yellow Sapphires often contain natural inclusions. These are tiny flaws or crystals inside the stone, visible under a magnifying glass or loupe. A completely flawless stone might be synthetic.
- Type of Inclusions: Knowing the types of inclusions typically found in Yellow Sapphires can help. Common inclusions are silk (fine needle-like inclusions), crystals, or color zoning.
3. Hardness Test
- Scratch Resistance: Yellow Sapphire ranks 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, making it very scratch-resistant. It can scratch glass but should not be easily scratched by metals or common materials.
- Caution: This test can potentially damage both the test object and the gemstone.
4. Breath Test
- Quick Fog Dispersal: Breathe onto the gemstone as if you’re fogging up a mirror. On a genuine Yellow Sapphire, the fog created by your breath should disappear almost instantly. If the fog lingers, the stone might not be real.
5. Refractive Index Test
- Use of Refractometer: A refractometer is a tool used by gemologists to measure a gemstone’s refractive index. Yellow Sapphire has a distinctive refractive index, and this test can help confirm its authenticity.
6. UV Light Test
- Fluorescence: Under UV light, some Yellow Sapphires may show weak fluorescence. However, this test is not conclusive as reactions can vary.
7. Specific Gravity Test
- Density Measurement: Yellow Sapphire has a specific gravity that can be measured and compared against standard values. This requires precise scales and expertise.
8. Professional Verification
- Gemological Certification: The most definitive method to verify a Yellow Sapphire is to have it certified from a reputable gemological laboratory. They provide detailed reports about the gemstone’s authenticity and characteristics.
9. Source and Price
- Reputable Sellers: Purchase from reputable dealers who are willing to provide certification and a clear return policy.
- Price: Genuine Yellow Sapphires are valuable and come with a significant price. Extremely low prices can be a red flag.
10. Heat Treatment Check
- Untreated Stones: While heat treatment is common in Yellow Sapphires to enhance color and clarity, untreated stones are more valuable. Ask the seller about any treatments the stone has undergone.
Conclusion
While these methods can provide guidance in identifying an original Yellow Sapphire, they are not foolproof, and some require specialized knowledge or equipment. For a definitive identification, it is recommended to seek assessment from a professional gemologist or a certified gemstone lab. Their expertise provides the assurance of authenticity, which is particularly important when investing in a high-value gemstone like Yellow Sapphire.
Identifying Original Yellow Sapphire
Feature | Identification Method |
---|---|
Color and Transparency | Uniform color ranging from light lemon to deep golden. High clarity and transparency. |
Inclusions | Natural inclusions visible under magnifying glass; flawless stones might be synthetic. |
Hardness Test | Scratch resistant (9 on Mohs scale); can scratch glass, but should not be easily scratched. |
Breath Test | Fog created by breath should disappear almost instantly. |
Refractive Index Test | Measure using a refractometer; Yellow Sapphire has a distinctive refractive index. |
UV Light Test | Some stones may show weak fluorescence under UV light. |
Specific Gravity Test | Measured using precise scales; has a specific gravity that can be compared against standard values. |
Professional Verification | Have the stone certified from a reputable gemological laboratory. |
Source and Price | Purchase from reputable dealers; genuine Yellow Sapphires are generally expensive. |
FAQs about identifying Yellow Sapphire
How can I tell if my Yellow Sapphire is real?
Check for uniform color, clarity, and natural inclusions using a magnifying glass. A real Yellow Sapphire will also quickly clear fog produced by breath and is resistant to scratches.
What color should a genuine Yellow Sapphire be?
It should be a consistent yellow hue, ranging from light lemon to deep golden. Uneven color distribution may indicate a treated or synthetic stone.
Are there any simple tests to identify a real Yellow Sapphire at home?
Yes, the breath test (fog should disappear quickly) and the scratch test (can scratch glass but shouldn’t be easily scratched) are simple methods, but they are not definitive.
Can Yellow Sapphire have inclusions?
Yes, natural Yellow Sapphires usually have inclusions. A stone without any inclusions might be synthetic or of lower quality.
Should a Yellow Sapphire be flawless?
No, flawless Yellow Sapphires are extremely rare. Most genuine stones will have some level of natural inclusions.
What is the best way to ensure I'm buying an original Yellow Sapphire?
Purchase from a reputable dealer and always ask for a gemstone certification from a recognized gemological institute.
Is it true that Yellow Sapphires can be treated?
Yes, Yellow Sapphires are often heat-treated to enhance their color and clarity. However, untreated stones are more valuable.
How does the price of Yellow Sapphire indicate its authenticity?
Authentic Yellow Sapphires are generally expensive. If the price is too low, it could be a sign that the gemstone is not genuine.
Can the weight of a Yellow Sapphire indicate its authenticity?
No, weight alone cannot determine authenticity. It needs to be considered alongside color, clarity, cut, and other factors.