“Gems are the miracles of time,” an old saying goes, defining the existence of the brighter blue sapphire gemstone. A gem that complements the kings, mystics, and even modern-day visionaries from the last many centuries. This precious stone is known as the Neelam in Vedic astrology. A gem that offers exceptional beauty and is connected with Shani. Do you know what the lovers of the blue sapphires look for? The inclusions in the blue sapphires look like tiny fingerprints of nature. Once seen, one might assume it is a flaw, but the astrologers and the gemologist consider it a blessing from the earth. So, let’s journey deep into the mysterious world of blue sapphire, where brilliance meets imperfection, and inclusions reveal the soul of this legendary gem.
What Makes Blue Sapphire So Enchanting?
Blue sapphire is connected to the corundum family of minerals, and blue sapphire forms with the iron and titanium shades. This brilliant stone ranks 9 on the Mohs scale. It holds the second place after the diamond for durability and dazzling appearance. Apart from the beauty, stone holds a connection with astrology. According to Vedic Astrology, the blue sapphire is linked with Saturn. When the gem and the energy align together, it welcomes:
- Bring the sudden rise in fortune and wealth.
- Helps to sharpen focus and discipline.
- This gem will protect you from negativity and enemies.
- Offer guidance in career and leadership in life.
If you pair with the unsuitable sapphire, then it may create turbulence. Think wisely and always buy the right natural stone with authentic inclusion in it.
What Are the Inclusions in Blue Sapphire?
An inclusion is any natural characteristic formed inside the sapphire as it grows within the Earth over millions of years. These inclusions might be gas bubbles, mineral crystals, tiny fractures, or colour zoning. While diamond buyers often want “flawless stones,” sapphire enthusiasts know that inclusions are not enemies. They are proof of authenticity because almost every natural sapphire has them. In fact, a sapphire without inclusions is often synthetic. Think of inclusions as the birthmarks of gemstones: unique, personal, and unrepeatable.
Types of Inclusions Found in Blue Sapphire
Let’s discuss the secret of the blue sapphire. A secret that makes them more fascinating - Inclusions. An inclusion narrates its own tale and leaves a fingerprint of authenticity.
- Needles: It contains fine, hair-like structures, called the “silk.” If they form a star-like pattern in a gem, it is the famous star sapphire.
- Fingerprints: When a liquid and a gas are trapped inside the stone, they form patterns that look like human fingerprints.
- Colour Zoning: An inclusion that showcases the uneven distribution of blue shades inside the gem. It depends on the precious stone; it might have lighter, darker, or streaks of sky and ocean fused.
- Crystal Inclusions: Tiny minerals, such as zircon or spinel, are trapped inside sapphire during its formation.
- Feathers and Veils: Internal fractures that give a feathery look. While too many can affect durability, small ones are quite common.
- Silk Patterns: Networks of rutile inclusions give a velvety texture to high-quality sapphires like those from Kashmir.
Each of these inclusions not only proves natural origin but also influences the gem’s value, origin traceability, and astrological strength.
Heated vs Unheated Blue Sapphire
Here’s where inclusions play a starring role.
- Unheated Blue Sapphire: Contains visible inclusions because it hasn’t undergone any artificial enhancement. These are rare, astrologically powerful, and command the highest value.
- Heated Blue Sapphire: These gems undergo controlled heating to bring clarity and intense colour. Sometimes reduces or dissolves the inclusions and makes the stone “cleaner”. But, in markets, they hold a high value and astrological potency. If you’re buying for astrology purposes, always choose a certified, unheated sapphire with natural inclusions. For jewellery, heated sapphires are fine.
Why Inclusions Are Important in Blue Sapphire
Many buyers mistakenly think inclusions lower the stone’s value. The truth is more nuanced:
- Proof of Authenticity: Natural sapphires almost always have inclusions. A flawless-looking sapphire at a cheap price is most likely lab-grown.
- Origin Identification: Gemologists can identify a sapphire’s origin based on its inclusions. For example, Kashmiri sapphires are famous for their silky inclusions.
- Astrological Power: Astrologers believe inclusions in unheated sapphires enhance the planetary vibrations of Saturn, making them more effective for spiritual and life benefits.
- Value and Pricing: Stones with minimal inclusions fetch premium prices, but a complete absence of inclusions is rare. Instead, experts look for strategically placed inclusions that don’t affect brilliance.
How Inclusions Affect Blue Sapphire Price
The blue sapphire gemstone price depends on several factors:
- Clarity: Fewer inclusions = higher price.
- Type of Inclusion: Harmless inclusions like fine silk are acceptable. Deep fractures that threaten durability lower the value.
- Location of Inclusions: Inclusions near edges or corners are less impactful than those in the centre.
- Origin: Sapphires from Kashmir or Burma with unique inclusions can fetch sky-high prices.
For astrology seekers, inclusions are often considered blessings. For collectors, pricing depends on how “clean” yet natural the stone looks.
Spotting Inclusions: Buyer’s Guide
If you’re buying a sapphire:
- Ask for certification from trusted labs like GIA, IGI, or GRS.
- Use a jeweller’s loupe to observe inclusions.
- Remember: flawless, cheap sapphires = synthetic danger.
- Choose inclusions that prove authenticity but don’t hinder durability.
Blue Sapphire: More Than Just a Gem
At the end of the day, the inclusions in a blue sapphire are not imperfections; they’re signatures of the Earth. Each tiny mark is a reminder that this stone has travelled through fire, pressure, and time to reach your hands. For some, inclusions are evidence of authenticity. For others, they’re astrological amplifiers. But for everyone, they are whispers of nature saying: this gem is real, rare, and yours to cherish.
Conclusion
The blue sapphire gemstone is a paradox of perfection and imperfection. Its royal blue hue captivates the eye, while its inclusions reveal the truth. Whether you’re a collector admiring its beauty, a spiritual seeker chasing Saturn’s blessings, or a jeweller crafting timeless designs, understanding inclusions is the key to understanding the gem itself.
So the next time you hold a sapphire and see its tiny worlds within, don’t think of them as flaws. Think of them as the soul of the stone—mysteries carved by nature, preserved forever for you.
