Natural v synthetic sapphire zoning

Gem Related Discussion
1

Hi all, gemology student here. I have a stone here with angular color zoning which I thought was natural but is evidently synthetic. Been researching angular color zoning and trying to find synthetic examples but no luck yet.

It was my understanding that curved color zoning implied synthetic, but angular was natural. Am I mistaken?

Thanks in advance.

2

The curve in a synthetic may be subtle and difficult to see, but it’s there. Naturals are characterized by hexagonal zoning and though you may only see one angle you can draw it out in your imagination.

RWW

1 Like
3

Indeed, there was an angle.

4

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