Yellow sapphire, also known as Pukhraj Ratna, is a popular gemstone associated with wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. It is a variety of the mineral corundum and gets its yellow color from trace elements of iron. People wear yellow sapphire for its astrological benefits, especially those related to Jupiter, the planet it represents.
When buying a yellow sapphire, it is essential to understand the difference between a natural and synthetic yellow sapphire. While both may look similar, their origin, composition, and value differ significantly. This blog will explain the key differences between natural and synthetic yellow sapphires, their benefits, and where to buy an authentic Pukhraj stone.
What Are Sapphires?
Sapphires are precious gemstones of a variety of the mineral corundum, primarily composed of aluminum oxide. While they are commonly associated with blue color, sapphires come in various shades, including yellow, pink, green, and white. The presence of different trace elements determines the color of a sapphire.
Yellow sapphire (also called Pukhraj Ratna in Hindi) gets its vibrant hue from iron content. It is widely valued for its beauty and astrological significance. Whether natural or synthetic, they have high durability, ranking 9 on the Mohs hardness scale. This makes them a preferred choice for jewelry, especially rings and pendants.
Understanding Natural Yellow Sapphire
Yellow Sapphire, is a precious gemstone belonging to the corundum mineral family. It is naturally found in several regions, including Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Australia, Tanzania, Brazil, Africa, and Madagascar. The gemstone is widely valued for its striking yellow hue, which results from the presence of iron in its composition.
Beyond its visual appeal, Pukhraj real stone holds great importance in astrology, spirituality, and healing practices. It is often referred to by different names across cultures and traditions, such as Guru Pukhraj Gemstone, Pushkaraj Stone, Pushparagam Stone, Kanakapushyaragam Stone, and Peetamani in Sanskrit.
Due to its astrological significance, many believe that wearing a yellow sapphire can bring prosperity, wisdom, and protection from negative influences. However, it is crucial to ensure that the gemstone is natural and untreated to gain its full benefits.
Understanding Synthetic Yellow Sapphire
A synthetic yellow sapphire is a lab-created gemstone with the same chemical composition and appearance as a natural Pukhraj stone. It is produced using methods like the Verneuil process or hydrothermal growth, resulting in a flawless and uniformly colored stone. While synthetic yellow sapphires are durable and more affordable, they do not hold astrological significance like natural ones. Due to their lower cost, they are often used in jewelry but should be verified before purchase to avoid confusion with real yellow sapphires.
Why is Synthetic Pukhraj Stone Made?
Synthetic Pukhraj stone is created for several reasons, including affordability and practical use. Here are the key reasons why synthetic yellow sapphires are made:
- Cost-Effective Alternative: Natural yellow sapphires are expensive, while synthetic ones provide a budget-friendly option with a similar appearance.
- Jewellery Use: Used in rings, necklaces, and other accessories due to their durability and bright yellow color.
- Education & Research: Used in gemology studies to help students differentiate between natural and synthetic gemstones.
- Consistent Quality: Lab-created stones have fewer inclusions and a uniform color, making them visually appealing.
- High Availability: Unlike natural Pukhraj stone, synthetic versions can be produced in large quantities, ensuring a steady supply.
Natural vs Synthetic Yellow Sapphire – Key Differences
Natural vs Synthetic Yellow Sapphire differs mainly in origin, composition, value, and purpose. Natural Pukhraj Ratna forms deep within the Earth’s crust over millions of years, making it rare and highly valued. In contrast, synthetic yellow sapphire is lab-created using artificial techniques, allowing for mass production and affordability. While both share the same chemical composition as corundum, natural yellow sapphires contain unique inclusions formed through natural processes, whereas synthetic stones are often flawless due to controlled manufacturing. Here are some factors that help you find the difference between natural and synthetic yellow sapphire:
Origin
Natural Pukhraj is mined from different regions across the world, including Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Australia. In contrast, synthetic yellow sapphires are artificially created in laboratories using controlled processes.
Color
Natural yellow sapphire exhibits variations in color and may have visible zoning, giving each stone a unique appearance. Meanwhile, synthetic yellow sapphires have a more consistent and evenly distributed color throughout the gemstone.
Inclusions
A natural Pukhraj stone often contains minor inclusions or tiny imperfections that are visible under magnification. These inclusions indicate the stone’s natural formation. On the other hand, synthetic Pushkraj Ratna is usually flawless, as it is made under controlled conditions.
Certification
To ensure authenticity, it is always advisable to get a Pukhraj Ratna certified by a reputable gemological laboratory. A certified gemstone guarantees information regarding its origin and authenticity, helping buyers distinguish between natural and synthetic stones.
Price
Due to their rarity, natural yellow sapphires are significantly more expensive, with prices ranging from INR 2500 ($30.41) per carat to INR 40,000 ($486.55) per carat. Synthetic yellow sapphires, being lab-made, are much more affordable.
Where to Buy Natural Yellow Sapphire
When buying a natural yellow sapphire, it is essential to choose a reliable source to ensure authenticity and quality. HTP Gemstones is a trusted name in the market, offering certified yellow sapphires with guaranteed authenticity. Here are some key factors to consider when purchasing a natural yellow sapphire:
- Always purchase from trusted jewelers, reputed gemstone dealers, or certified platforms to avoid fake or treated stones.
- Ensure that the yellow sapphire comes with a certification from a recognized gemological institute, such as GIA, IGI, or GII. HTP Gemstones provides certified Pukhraj stones for added trust.
- If you are unsure which yellow sapphire suits you best, take advantage of HTP Gemstones free gemstones recommendation service. This service helps you find the right stone based on your needs and astrological requirements.
- When buying online, opt for sellers like HTP Gemstones, which provide certified gemstones, a return policy, and customer support for a trustworthy purchase.
FAQ
1. How can I identify a natural yellow sapphire?
A natural yellow sapphire has minor inclusions, slight color variations, and comes with a gemological certification. Synthetic yellow sapphires are usually flawless and have a uniform color.
2. Is synthetic yellow sapphire good for astrology?
No, synthetic yellow sapphire lacks the natural energies required for astrological benefits. Only a certified natural yellow sapphire is believed to bring prosperity, wisdom, and positive effects.
3. Do natural Pukhraj stones always have inclusions?
Yes, natural Pukhraj stones often contain inclusions, which indicate authenticity. However, high-quality sapphires may have fewer visible inclusions while still being natural.
4. How do I check if my yellow sapphire is treated?
Treated sapphires may have heat enhancements or color diffusion to improve their appearance. A lab certification from a trusted institute will confirm whether the stone has undergone any treatment.
5. Can synthetic yellow sapphire be used for jewellery?
Yes, synthetic yellow sapphire stones can be used for jewellery due to their affordability and flawless look. However, they do not hold the same rarity or astrological significance as natural ones.
Conclusion
When choosing between natural vs synthetic yellow sapphire, it is essential to understand the differences in origin, inclusions, color consistency, price, and astrological benefits. Natural Pukhraj Ratna is valued for its rarity, authenticity, and astrological significance, while synthetic yellow sapphire is a lab-created alternative without the same spiritual properties.
For those seeking a genuine yellow sapphire for astrological benefits, buying from a trusted source is highly recommended. Always ensure your yellow sapphire stone is certified by reputable gemological labs like GIA, IGI, or GII to guarantee authenticity and quality. By making an informed choice, you can enjoy both the beauty and the astrological benefits of a natural sapphire stone.
