Synthetic Sapphire Inclusions

First Published: 7 September 2026

Synthetic Sapphire Inclusions

Explore Sapphire inclusions in Hyperion, the Lotus Gemology inclusion database. Hyperion contains photomicrographs of inclusions and internal features in natural Sapphire, documented with information on geographic origin, treatment, lighting conditions, field of view, photographer and published references.

Twin plane at one end of an unusual synthetic pink sapphire with artificial orange stains and dendrite patterned in induced fissures. Fine needles were seen along this twin plane and could easily cause a gemologist to reach the conclusion that the stone was natural.
This synthetic pink sapphire was fractured and then appeared to have been soaked in an iron-rich solution to created orange stains in the fissures, thus simulating padparadscha. The stains developed unusual dendritic patterns, as seen here. Chemical analysis also reveal traces of lead in the fissures.
With magnification, curved straie can be seen in this piece of Verneuil flame-fusion synthetic sapphire that was masquerading as a piece of natural rough.
This piece of Verneuil flame fusion synthetic sapphire was treated to make it look like a natural stone. However, the charade is over when the stone is viewed under shortwave ultraviolet light: it displays a chalky fluorescence that is seen in many Verneuil synthetics. (Note that natural stones may also display a chalky fluorescence, but it is usually in a zoned pattern.)
At first glance this Verneuil flame fusion synthetic pink sapphire makes for a convincing piece of natural sapphire rough. The stone has been treated to have a rough surface, complete with naturals with residues inside them meant to look like dirt or matrix. Substances such as shoe polish may be used on the outside of synthetic “rough” to make it look like natural material.
With magnification, curved straie can be seen in this piece of Verneuil flame-fusion synthetic sapphire that was masquerading as a piece of natural rough.
The small dots are gas bubbles showing blue color concentrations. Gas bubbles are a common feature in Verneuil synthetic corundum.
Curved growth lines and small gas bubbles are visible in this Verneuil synthetic sapphire. The curved lines are a diagnostic feature of Verneuil synthetic corundum. Note that the facets have some rough areas, an indicator that a stone was hastily polished.
Curved growth lines are visible in this Verneuil synthetic sapphire when immersed in methylene iodide. These curved lines are a diagnostic feature of Verneuil synthetic corundum.
Color concentrations around facet edges in this lattice-diffusion treated synthetic sapphire.
Color concentrations around facet edges in this lattice-diffusion treated synthetic sapphire.
Diffusion around small gas bubbles in this lattice-diffusion treated synthetic sapphire.

Synthetic Sapphire inclusions may include curved striae, curved color banding, gas bubbles, healed fissures, Plato lines, twinning, platinum plates, rain-like flux, primary flux and other features formed during or after crystal growth. Such features are important to gemologists because they can provide evidence useful in identifying Sapphire, understanding its geological history, recognizing treatment and, in some cases, determining geographic origin.

Synthetic Sapphire Inclusion Photomicrographs

The Hyperion natural Sapphire gallery includes microscopic features found in rubies from major deposits around the world. Each entry is accompanied by descriptive information and, where available, references to the gemological literature.

What Inclusions Can Reveal About Synthetic Sapphire

Inclusions are an important part of Sapphire identification. Their form, composition, orientation and alteration can help gemologists distinguish natural Sapphire from synthetic material, recognize evidence of heat treatment, and study the geological environment in which the Sapphire formed.

Hyperion combines inclusion photomicrography with supporting gemological information so that individual features can be compared with documented examples from known Sapphire deposits.

About Hyperion

Hyperion is the Lotus Gemology searchable inclusion database. It allows users to browse gemstone inclusions by gem type, geographic origin, treatment and keyword.

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