Battle of Pink Sapphires: Natural vs. Synthetic

What is a Pink Sapphire?

Natural sapphires, much like diamonds, require millions of years to form, resulting in each stone being a one-of-a-kind creation. Formed under extreme heat and pressure beneath the Earth’s surface, these gems arise from corundum (aluminum oxide) that infiltrates fissures in igneous or metamorphic rocks. As the molten corundum cools, it crystallizes into colorless stones. However, when minute amounts of other minerals (sometimes less than 1%) mix with corundum, it produces various colors such as red, pink, blue, yellow, and orange. Higher chromium content results in a deeper red, yielding rubies, while lower chromium content produces pink sapphires.

Where Are Natural Pink Sapphires Mined?

The discovery of new deposits in Madagascar in the late 1990s made natural pink sapphires more accessible. Previously, they were exceedingly rare, found only in a few places worldwide such as Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and East Africa.

An extraordinarily rare variant, the pinkish-orange padparadscha sapphire, hails from Sri Lanka and is named after the country’s lotus blossoms.

What Makes Pink Sapphires Special?

Besides their unique color, sapphires are the birthstone for September. While blue sapphires are traditionally associated with the month, now you know sapphires come in a spectrum of stunning colors.

Pink sapphires symbolize love, sincerity, loyalty, and trust. In certain Asian cultures, these gems are compared to the sacred lotus flower, emblematic of beauty, wisdom, and purity.

Their vivid pink hues continue to captivate, making pink sapphires a popular choice for various jewelry types. Increasingly, they are chosen for engagement rings and are also found in bracelets, earrings, and necklaces.

Synthetic Pink Sapphires

Man-made in laboratories, synthetic pink sapphires share the same chemical composition, structure, and optical properties as natural ones. Methods like flux growth and flame fusion are employed in their creation. Flux growth involves dissolving elements into a solution and allowing them to crystallize slowly, mimicking natural sapphire formation. The flame fusion method uses powdered elements to produce sapphires, which have a curved, flawless crystal structure, unlike the angular structure of natural or flux-grown sapphires.

Synthetic pink sapphires are available in a range of shades, from light pink to deep magenta, and remain a popular choice in the jewelry market.

Natural Pink Sapphire vs. Synthetic Pink Sapphire: What’s the Difference?

Natural sapphires form within the Earth’s crust over millions of years, while lab-created ones are produced much quicker in controlled environments. Lab-created sapphires are also more affordable per carat compared to their natural counterparts, as naturally-formed sapphires are rarer and more coveted.

How Can You Tell the Difference Between Natural and Synthetic Pink Sapphire?

Wondering how to distinguish between natural and synthetic pink sapphires? Here are some pointers:

• Inclusions: Natural sapphires often have inclusions and flaws, while lab-created ones are usually flawless. Use a jeweler’s loupe or microscope to inspect the gemstone. Synthetic stones made with glass may have bubbles.
• Scratch Test: Sapphires rank 9 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, second only to diamonds. You can try scratching the stone with a diamond, key, or coin. If a mark is left, it’s likely fake, but be cautious as this can damage the gemstone.
• Breath Test: Breathe on the sapphire. Natural ones defog in a couple of seconds, whereas synthetic ones take longer.
• Light Test: In a dark room, shine a flashlight on the pink sapphire. It should reflect only the stone’s color. If other colors appear, it’s a fake.

Caring for Pink Sapphires

Proper care ensures your pink sapphires remain beautiful for years. Clean them with a soft toothbrush, warm water, and mild dish soap free of abrasives or moisturizers. Periodically inspect your jewelry to ensure the prongs are secure. Store your fine jewelry, including pink sapphires, in a lined jewelry box and keep pieces separate to avoid scratching.