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Few More Sapphire
Know More About White Sapphire
White sapphires are not just diamond look-alikes, they have their own identity. Unlike diamonds formed from carbon, white sapphires are made of pure corundum with no trace elements giving them a soft white glow.
Core Attributes of White Sapphire
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | Al₂O₃ (Aluminum Oxide) |
| Colors | Colorless (white); may show slight tint |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
| Refractive Index | 1.762 – 1.770 |
| Birefringence | 0.008 – 0.010 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.95 – 4.03 |
| Melting Point | ~2,030 °C (3,686 °F) |
| Heat Resistance | Excellent (can withstand high temperatures) |
| Mohs Hardness | 9 |
White Sapphires Value
White sapphires offer a combination of beauty, durability, and affordability. Unlike diamonds, they aren’t judged by sparkle alone. Their value depends on clarity, cut, origin, and whether they are natural or lab-created. Natural, untreated white sapphires from places like Sri Lanka or Madagascar are more valuable than heat-treated or synthetic ones.
While they’re more affordable than diamonds, they still hold excellent long-term value due to their hardness. Compared to colored sapphires, white ones have lower market demand.
White Sapphire Origins
White sapphires are found in a few key locations around the world. Their origin plays a major role in determining their clarity, brilliance, and overall value. Two of the most respected sources for high-quality white sapphires are Madagascar and Sri Lanka. Each white sapphire has unique characteristics influenced by the land they come from.
Madagascar
Madagascar has become a major source of premium white sapphires in recent years. The stones from this region are often appreciated for their excellent clarity, larger sizes, and minimal color tint, making them ideal for those seeking a natural and ethical alternative to diamonds.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is known as the “Gem Island,”. It has a deep history of gemstone mining that dates back thousands of years. White sapphires from Sri Lanka are prized for their fine cut potential and natural brilliance without heavy treatments.
White Sapphire Colors
White sapphires are known for their clean, colorless appearance, but their whiteness can come in subtle variations. While they lack the vibrant hues of other sapphires, white sapphires still show delicate differences based on their origin and treatment.
Pure White
Truly colorless sapphires are rare and often mistaken for diamonds. They reflect light beautifully and are prized for their brilliance.
Milky White
Some white sapphires appear slightly cloudy or milky. This is usually due to internal inclusions or silk-like patterns that scatter light softly.
Soft Grey Tint
Some white sapphires display a faint greyish tone which gives them a cool appearance. This is often due to natural mineral traces within the crystal.
Silvery White Shine
This type of white sapphires are highly polished and well-cut stones. It may exhibit a bright silvery luster, especially under natural sunlight.
Frosty White Finish
This type of white sapphire has icy-white look which is highly valued and often found in high-clarity. It closely mimics the appearance of high-grade diamonds.
Greenish Blue Sapphire
Some sapphires have a hint of green in their blue color. This occurs due to higher iron content. Though less expensive, they still offer a natural, earthy beauty and are mostly found in Australia and Africa.
Steel Blue Sapphire
These stones have a bluish-gray tone that gives them a cool, metallic look. They are mostly found in Thailand and Cambodia and are often more affordable than vivid blues.
White Sapphire Clarity
White sapphires often appear clean and sparkly, but their clarity is different from diamonds. While diamonds are judged harshly for even tiny flaws, white sapphires are more forgiving. They naturally form with inclusions that don’t always affect beauty.
White sapphires that seem less clear are actually untreated and natural, making them more desirable to certain buyers. High-clarity stones are usually heat-treated to enhance their appearance, which is standard in the industry but not always disclosed.
White sapphires don’t sparkle in rainbow flashes like diamonds, instead they reflect a soft, silvery-white glow. So even if a sapphire looks slightly cloudy, its brilliance can still be charming and elegant in a very natural way.
White Sapphire Price Per Carat
White sapphires offer diamond-like beauty at a much lower cost. They are loved for their clear appearance and their price per carat isn’t fixed. It varies based on clarity, cut, size, origin, and whether the stone is treated or untreated.
Here’s a genuine price table that help you understand what you can expect to pay per carat:
| Quality Grade | Clarity & Cut | Treatment | Price Per Carat (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Grade | Visible Inclusions | Heat Treated | $25 – $60 |
| Good Quality | Fewer Inclusions | Heat Treated | $70 – $150 |
| Fine Quality | Eye-Clean | Heat Treated/ Untreated | $160 – $300 |
| Premium Quality | Flawless | Untreated | $350 – $600+ |
White Sapphire Care
White sapphires may look like diamonds, but they behave differently. Unlike diamonds, they tend to lose their sparkle faster due to surface film buildup, even from something as simple as hard water or body oils. So, soak them in lukewarm distilled water mixed with a drop of baby shampoo. This gentle method helps remove invisible dirt that dulls the gem over time.
White sapphires are sensitive to temperature. Taking them from a hot shower straight into cold water or vice versa can create micro-fractures. That’s why it’s wise to remove them before entering saunas, swimming pools or even while washing dishes in hot water.