Sapphires

Lab-Grown vs Natural Sapphires: A Comprehensive Comparison

Understanding the differences between lab-grown and natural sapphires to help you make an informed choice for your jewellery.

Quick Comparison Overview

Both lab-grown and natural sapphires are real sapphires with identical chemical composition (Al₂O₃). The key differences lie in their origin, appearance characteristics, and environmental impact. Sapphires come in every colour except red (red corundum is ruby).

1. Formation & Origin

Characteristic Natural Sapphires Lab-Grown Sapphires
Formation Process Formed deep within the Earth's crust over millions of years under extreme heat and pressure Created in controlled laboratory environments using advanced technology in weeks to months
Chemical Composition Aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) with trace elements for colour Identical: Aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) with controlled trace elements
Growing Method Natural geological processes in metamorphic and igneous rocks Flame fusion (Verneuil), Czochralski pulling, flux growth, or hydrothermal methods
Time to Form Millions of years Several weeks to months
Primary Sources Kashmir, Burma, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Madagascar, Australia, Montana (USA) Specialised laboratories worldwide

2. Physical & Optical Properties

Property Natural Sapphires Lab-Grown Sapphires
Hardness 9 on Mohs scale (second only to diamond) 9 on Mohs scale (identical)
Refractive Index 1.762-1.770 1.762-1.770 (identical)
Specific Gravity 3.98-4.00 3.98-4.00 (identical)
Lustre Vitreous to adamantine (brilliant) Vitreous to adamantine (identical)
Crystal System Trigonal (hexagonal) Trigonal (identical)

3. Colour Range

Colour Type Natural Sapphires Lab-Grown Sapphires
Blue Sapphires Range from light to deep cornflower blue; Kashmir sapphires most prized Consistent, vivid blue; can replicate Kashmir colour
Pink Sapphires Delicate to vivid pink; Padparadscha (pink-orange) extremely rare Consistent pink tones; Padparadscha colour achievable
Yellow Sapphires Light to deep golden yellow; canary yellow most valuable Uniform yellow; vibrant canary shades readily available
Fancy Colours Green, purple, orange, white, and colour-change varieties All colours can be produced; colour-change varieties possible

4. Sustainability & Environmental Impact

Factor Natural Sapphires Lab-Grown Sapphires
Environmental Impact Mining can cause habitat disruption, soil erosion, and water pollution Minimal environmental footprint; no mining required
Carbon Footprint Higher due to mining operations and global transportation Significantly lower; controlled production with efficient energy use
Ethical Sourcing Requires verification of ethical mining practices 100% traceable origin; no conflict concerns
Sustainability Finite natural resource; deposits being depleted Sustainable; can be produced on demand

Who Should Choose Which?

💎 Natural Sapphires Are Ideal For:

  • Collectors and connoisseurs
  • Those valuing rarity and natural heritage
  • Heirloom engagement rings (royal tradition)
  • Investment-minded buyers
  • Those seeking provenance (Kashmir, Ceylon)
  • 5th and 45th anniversary gifts
  • September birthstone with natural origin

🔬 Lab-Grown Sapphires Are Perfect For:

  • Environmentally conscious buyers
  • Those seeking flawless colour and clarity
  • Buyers wanting larger statement stones
  • Modern, ethical jewellery preferences
  • Matching pairs for earrings
  • Fashion and everyday wear pieces
  • Accessing rare colours affordably

Common Questions

Are lab-grown sapphires real sapphires?

Yes, absolutely. Lab-grown sapphires have the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical properties as natural sapphires. They are real sapphires, just created in a laboratory.

What colours do sapphires come in?

Sapphires come in every colour except red (red corundum is ruby). Popular colours include blue, pink, yellow, orange, green, purple, white, and the rare Padparadscha (pink-orange).

What is a Kashmir sapphire?

Kashmir sapphires are considered the finest blue sapphires in the world, prized for their velvety cornflower blue colour. They are extremely rare and valuable. Lab-grown sapphires can replicate this coveted colour.

Do lab-grown sapphires last as long?

Yes. Lab-grown sapphires have identical hardness (9 on Mohs scale) and durability to natural sapphires. With proper care, both will last for generations.

Making Your Decision

Both natural and lab-grown sapphires are genuine sapphires with identical physical and optical properties. Your choice depends on your personal values:

  • Ethics & Environment: Lab-grown offers clearer ethical and environmental profile
  • Rarity & Heritage: Natural sapphires are rare treasures with millennia of history
  • Quality & Perfection: Lab-grown provides superior clarity and consistent colour
  • Uniqueness: Natural sapphires are one-of-a-kind
  • Sustainability: Lab-grown is the more sustainable choice
  • Tradition: Natural sapphires carry royal significance

Expert Guidance at RÊVE GEMS

We offer both natural and lab-grown sapphires, each certified and guaranteed for quality. Our gemstone experts are here to help you choose the perfect sapphire.

Contact our specialists for personalised advice