Can a Blue Sapphire Be Found Without Any Inclusions

Can a Blue Sapphire Be Found Without Any Inclusions?

Blue sapphires are among the most coveted gemstones in the world, prized for their mesmerising hues and remarkable durability. Like all natural gemstones, blue sapphires can contain inclusions—internal features formed during their natural crystallisation process created by mother nature herself. Deliqa Gems is an expert in gemmology and will explore how flawless blue sapphire can exist, how inclusions vary among different sapphire colours, and whether inclusions affect a gemstone’s value.

What Are Inclusions?

Inclusions are internal characteristics found within gemstones, often forming as a result of natural geological processes. These can include minerals, gas bubbles, tiny fractures, or needle-like structures. In sapphires, some of the most common inclusions are:

• Silk (Fine Rutile Needles): Thin, needle-like inclusions that can create a soft, velvety appearance in sapphires.

• Fingerprint Inclusions: Small, feather-like formations resembling human fingerprints.

• Crystal Inclusions: Tiny mineral deposits trapped within the sapphire.

• Color Zoning: Uneven distribution of color, resulting in lighter or darker areas within the stone.

• Feathers and Fractures: Tiny cracks or fissures formed during the sapphire’s formation.

Can a Blue Sapphire Be Free of Inclusions?

It is extremely rare to find inclusion-free natural blue sapphire. Almost all naturally mined sapphires contain some degree of inclusions. While some high-quality stones may appear flawless to the naked eye, closer inspection under magnification usually reveals minor inclusions.

Laboratory-created (synthetic) sapphires can be produced without inclusions, but natural sapphires with no visible internal flaws are exceptionally rare and command premium prices, and are often difficult to analyse. When evaluating sapphires, gemologists observe inclusions in order to determine treatments, origin, and whether the gemstone was earth mined or lab created. 

How Are Inclusions Formed?

Inclusions are primarily formed during the natural crystallisation process of sapphires deep within the Earth. As the gemstone develops under high pressure and temperature, trapped minerals, gas bubbles, or structural irregularities create unique internal features. However, some inclusions or fractures may become more visible after the cutting and polishing process. Our expert gemstone cutters ensure the inclusions are placed in a way so that they are least visible to the eye. At Deliqa Gems we do not offer any sapphires that have inclusions detrimental to the durability of the gemstone.

Do Inclusions Make a Sapphire Less Valuable?

Gemstone inclusions can impact a sapphire’s value, but they do not always make a gemstone less desirable. Inclusions make a stone unique, like a fingerprint. The extent to which inclusions affect value depends on their visibility, type, and placement:

• Minimal or Well-Distributed Inclusions: Often do not significantly impact value. 

• Large or Highly Visible Inclusions: Can lower value, particularly if they interfere with transparency or weaken the structure of the gemstone.

• Star Sapphires: Some sapphires with rutile inclusions exhibit asterism (a star effect), making them highly sought-after rather than reducing their worth.

A Gemstone’s Value and It’s Uniqueness

While a flawless natural blue sapphire is incredibly rare, minor inclusions are a natural part of most sapphires and do not diminish their value. In some cases, they can enhance the uniqueness and beauty of the stone. When purchasing a sapphire, it is essential to consider clarity alongside other factors like color, cut, an d origin that fit with your style and preference. Whether slightly included or near-perfect, a high-quality sapphire remains a timeless treasure.

For a premium selection of natural sapphires with exceptional clarity and color, explore our collection at Deliqa Gems.

Photo credit: GIA Inclusions chart