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Kashmir blue sapphire, or Kashmiri Neelam, is found in the Zanskar Range of the Himalayas in the Kashmir valley. Look at its color and clarity to tell if a sapphire is from Kashmir. The quality of these gems is exceptional and thus is considered expensive. These natural gems are not only admired for their fantastic appearance but also their astrological benefits.
Nilam stone from the Kashmir region is believed to possess immense power to overcome Saturn's ill effects.
Read More Here: Astrological Benefits of Blue Sapphire for Career and Health.
The gemstone market is full of lab-created, synthetic, and fake gems that feature the same color but are not the real Kashmiri Neelam. Hence how to identify these gems is a big question. In this blog, we will consider some factors that help you to figure out the natural blue sapphire from the Kashmir region.
Also Read: Origins of Blue Sapphire (Neelam) Gemstone
There are many types of blue sapphires as per color and origin. Kashmir nilam is one of the sapphire varieties as per the origin. The most distinguishing feature of these gems is their velvety blue hue.
Kashmir blue sapphires feature a rich, deep blue color and velvety texture. What sets Kashmiri sapphire different from others is its uniform color.
Read Here: Blue Sapphire vs. Other Gemstones: A Fascinating Comparison
How to tell if a sapphire is Kashmir? The high saturation of blue color makes these stones different from other blue gemstones.
How to check if blue sapphire is real? The best way to tell this is the presence of inclusions. All natural gems are included. This feature comes during the gemstone formation under the earth's surface. This feature is absent in synthetic and fake gems.
Read our blog: How to Tell if a Gem is Real?
Kashmir sapphires have natural patterns or layers inside them, called growth zoning. These are formed in the crystal during its formation in the earth over millions of years. They appear as milky bands that give the stone a velvety texture, making it different from other corundums.
Learn More: Incredible Benefits of Kashmir Blue Sapphire
The milky growth bands contain many dispersed nanoparticles, which, when light falls, scatter, reflecting a blue sheen. This physical effect is the only characteristic of Kashmiri Neelam differentiating it from the popular Ceylon sapphire.
These blue sapphires from Zanskar Valley have low levels of iron. The specific combination of trace elements like magnesium, titanium, and very little iron is the signature trait of Kashmir sapphires, making it easier to confirm their origin.
The most common Kashmir sapphire inclusions are rutile needles. It is believed that the higher the inclusions, the more the internal beauty of the stone. This is because these needle-like inclusions are arranged in such a way that they give a soft texture to the stone. Madagascar blue sapphire are often confused with the ones from Kashmir because of their similar blue color.
However, the two have a considerable difference, which is only possible when observed under the microscope. Inclusions in sapphire from Madagascar feature dark color zoning. On the contrary, natural blue sapphire inclusions from the Kashmir region feature milky zoning, which is well distributed within the stone.
So, you can identify a Kashmiri Neelam by the arrangement of its inclusion patterns. This feature also helps you to distinguish it from other sapphire origins.
Read More about inclusions in this blog: What Are Kashmir Sapphire Inclusions and Why Do They Matter?
These prestigious stones originate from the Kashmir Valley. The mines, however, closed after some time. But it is still believed that the true treasure from the earth is obtained from this place only.
Kashmiri sapphires are formed inside metamorphic rocks. Mineral inclusions in sapphires such as tourmaline, pargasite, and zircon are characteristic features sourced from Kashmir, helping identify its origin.
The Kashmiri Neelam price ranges from INR 60,000 to INR 5 lakhs and more. Compared to other origins, quality sapphires from this region are the best and the most expensive. The rarity factor of these gems includes its limited availability. High-carat gems are not readily available.
Read More in our blog: Kashmir Blue Sapphire Buying Guide
So, for all those looking for rare and priceless treasures, the best gemstone to invest in is Kashmiri blue sapphire. Its value will increase with time because of its peculiar characteristics specific to these gems only.
Mesmerized by the beauty of these blue gemstones? Buy high quality No heat natural Blue sapphire pieces only from reputable sellers like Navratan. Ensure you ask for GIA, IGI, and GRS certification. As per SSEF laboratory, the real “Royal blue color” is the benchmark of sapphires from Kashmir. Also Read: Heated or Unheated Sapphire, which is best in astrology?
So, this is the best way to recognize them through an easy visibility test at home. If you want effective Shani remedies, wealth, and good fortune, buy Kashmir sapphire ring from Navratan now!
