Madagascan blue sapphires are admired worldwide for their rich color, clarity, and allure. However, identifying an authentic Madagascan blue sapphire can be a challenge, especially for those new to gemstones. In this article, we will explore the distinctive features of Madagascan sapphires, how they differ from other varieties, and practical tips to ensure you’re buying a genuine stone.
What Makes Madagascan Blue Sapphires Unique?
Madagascar is one of the most significant producers of sapphires, contributing about 50% of the world’s supply. These gems are prized for their vibrant color and high transparency, often displaying shades from cornflower blue to royal blue. But what really sets Madagascan blue sapphires apart?
Color Variation
One of the defining characteristics of Madagascan blue sapphires is their diverse range of colors. Unlike sapphires from other regions, Madagascan sapphires can exhibit not only deep blues but also lighter pastel hues. The most sought-after Madagascan sapphires are those with an intense blue tone that holds up under both natural and artificial light.
Clarity and Transparency
Many Madagascan blue sapphires boast exceptional clarity. While inclusions are common in all natural gemstones, the high-grade Madagascan sapphires tend to have fewer visible inclusions, making them more desirable. Stones with minimal inclusions and excellent transparency often fetch a higher price.
Fluorescence Effect
A lesser-known but intriguing property of Madagascan sapphires is their potential for fluorescence under ultraviolet (UV) light. Some Madagascan sapphires may display a subtle red or pink glow when exposed to UV light, a unique characteristic that sets them apart from sapphires mined in other parts of the world.
How to Differentiate Madagascan Blue Sapphires from Other Varieties?
While Madagascan blue sapphires share many similarities with sapphires from other regions, subtle differences can help you distinguish them.
Sri Lankan (Ceylon) Sapphires vs. Madagascan Sapphires
Ceylon sapphires, mined in Sri Lanka, are known for their lighter, pastel blues. Madagascan sapphires, in contrast, often have deeper, more saturated blues. Ceylon sapphires also tend to have a “sleepy” or milky appearance, while Madagascan stones generally exhibit higher clarity and brightness.
Kashmir Sapphires vs. Madagascan Sapphires
Kashmir sapphires are the most prized and rarest in the world, known for their velvety blue color. While Madagascan sapphires can be visually stunning, they generally lack the velvety texture of Kashmir stones. However, a high-quality Madagascan sapphire can still be an affordable and beautiful alternative.
Thai and Australian Sapphires vs. Madagascan Sapphires
Thai and Australian sapphires often have a darker, almost inky appearance. Madagascan blue sapphires, on the other hand, are prized for their brighter and more vivid blue hues. If a sapphire appears almost black in certain lighting conditions, it is likely not from Madagascar.
Common Treatments for Madagascan Blue Sapphires
Many sapphires, including those from Madagascar, undergo treatments to enhance their appearance. Being aware of these treatments can help you make an informed purchase.
Heat Treatment
The most common treatment for Madagascan blue sapphires is heat treatment. This process enhances the stone’s color and clarity by heating it to high temperatures. While heat-treated sapphires are still considered valuable, untreated, natural sapphires command a higher price. Always ask if a sapphire has been heat-treated before making a purchase.
Beryllium Diffusion
In some cases, sapphires undergo beryllium diffusion to alter their color. This treatment can produce vivid blues, but it affects the stone’s overall value. Be cautious of any blue sapphire with unnaturally intense color, as it may have undergone diffusion treatment.
Fracture Filling
Some lower-quality sapphires are fracture-filled with glass to improve their appearance. While this is less common in high-quality Madagascan sapphires, it’s important to be aware of this treatment as it significantly lowers the stone’s value. Fracture-filled sapphires are more fragile and can be damaged more easily than untreated stones.
Can You Identify a Genuine Madagascan Blue Sapphire Easily?
Now that we’ve explored the unique characteristics of Madagascan blue sapphires and common treatments, how can you tell if you have a genuine sapphire from Madagascar?
Examine the Color
The color of a Madagascan blue sapphire should be vibrant and evenly distributed throughout the stone. If the stone appears overly dark or blackish, it may not be a Madagascan sapphire. However, natural color variations can exist, so always examine the stone in different lighting conditions.
Check for Inclusions
While Madagascan sapphires are known for their high clarity, natural inclusions may still be present. Use a loupe or magnifying glass to inspect the stone. If it appears flawless, it could be synthetic or treated. Genuine sapphires usually have small, natural inclusions, such as needles or feathers, but these should not significantly affect the stone’s beauty.
Test for Hardness
Sapphires are part of the corundum family and have a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making them second only to diamonds. You can perform a scratch test by lightly scratching the surface with a material that is softer than sapphire. If the stone scratches easily, it’s likely a fake.
Request a Lab Certification
The most reliable way to ensure you’re purchasing an authentic Madagascan blue sapphire is to request a lab certification. Reputable labs such as GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or AGS (American Gem Society) can verify the stone’s origin and whether it has undergone any treatments.
See Also: Can Libra Wear Blue Sapphire?
Synthetic vs. Natural Madagascan Blue Sapphires
The market is flooded with synthetic sapphires that closely resemble natural ones. Synthetic sapphires are created in labs and can mimic the look of a real sapphire but lack the natural formation process.
Growth Lines
Synthetic sapphires often display curved growth lines, which can be detected under magnification. Natural sapphires, on the other hand, have straight growth lines that form during their natural crystallization.
Cost Difference
A synthetic Madagascan blue sapphire is significantly cheaper than a natural one. If a stone is offered at a price that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always compare the price of the sapphire to the current market value of natural stones.
Where to Buy Authentic Madagascan Blue Sapphires
To avoid purchasing a synthetic or treated stone, always buy from reputable dealers. Look for gemstone certifications, and make sure the seller offers a return policy. Avoid marketplaces where gemstone quality is difficult to verify.
Reputable Jewelers
Purchase from established jewelers with a good reputation in the industry. High-quality jewelers will be transparent about the origin of their stones and any treatments they may have undergone.
Online Retailers
If purchasing online, ensure the retailer provides detailed gemstone descriptions, high-quality images, and lab certifications. Online reviews and ratings can also give you insight into the reliability of the seller.
Conclusion
While identifying an authentic Madagascan blue sapphire can be a challenge for the untrained eye, understanding its unique characteristics can make the process easier. By examining the stone’s color, clarity, and origin, and by requesting a lab certification, you can ensure you’re purchasing a genuine gemstone. Whether you’re an experienced collector or a first-time buyer, knowing what to look for will help you make a confident and informed choice when buying a Madagascan blue sapphire.
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