Treatments

• Heat Treatment Heating to a very high temperature for the purpose of changing its appearance.
• Surface diffusion Heating at a very temperature in presence of coloring agents for allowing chemicals to penetrate in the stone.
• Fracture filling Stones are filled with epoxy resin or glass OR lead glass to conceal the fractures.

Any treatment done on the stones damages its internal structure of the gemstones.

Hardness & Toughness

Hardness (resistance to scratching) 9 on the Mohs scale

Toughness (resistance to breaking and chipping) Usually excellent but large fractures can lessen the durability

Stability (Resistance to Heat and Chemicals)

Heat: Heat can cause change in color or clarity, it can also damage fracture filling

Light: Fracture filling may dry out or alter under intense light

Chemicals: Can harm the fillings in fracture filled stones

Synthetics: Blue Sapphire synthetics are readily available in the market.
Blue Sapphire is made from flame fusion, flux, hydrothermal, floating zone many process in the market

THE ONLY WAY TO SEPRATE NATURAL SAPPHIRE FROM LAB GROWN SAPPHIRE IS THROUGH INCLUSION(MAGNIFICATION)

Care and cleaning:
Ultrasonic cleaning       Usually safe, but not for fracture filled stones.

Steam cleaning          Usually safe, but not for fracture filled stones.

Warm soapy water      Safe, but strong detergents should be avoided.

Please see the Checklist on how to buy gemstones scientifically

Check list to help you make Gemstone's best buying decision:

• Always take a gemstone’s certificate provided by an internationally recognized laboratory.
  Look for the status of treatment (heated or unheated) carefully in the certificate.
• Conversion of carat and ratti should be clear. Carat is the international unit for weight of gemstones, calculate and buy in carats.
• For a genuine purchase decision stay with a professional or a jeweller with serious gemological training.
• You must take a detailed bill of your purchase; it works as an undisputed future reference document.

Conversion from Carat and Ratti to mg
1 Carat = 200 mg
1 Ratti = 121.5 mg (in ayurveda this Rati is used) or
1 Ratti = 182.25 mg

In India people generally buy and sell gemstones according to Rati weight, but it is advised to buy them according to Carat weight because carat is a standard measurement.