What Is a White Sapphire?

White sapphire is a variety of the gemstone sapphire that is often used as a diamond substitute because it costs less and is nearly as durable.

The Mineral

In its natural form, sapphire is a mineral called corundum, which is a crystalline form of aluminum oxide.

Color

When corundum is red, it is known as ruby. When it appears in other colors, it is called sapphire. White sapphire does not contain the iron, titanium or chromium that gives other sapphires color, according to Thai Gem.

Hardness

Sapphire ranks second only to diamonds with a rank of 9 on the Mohs Hardness Scale.

Origins

White sapphire is native to Sri Lanka, Australia, Thailand, Myanmar, Madagascar, Cambodia and Tanzania, according to Kai Jewels. Many white sapphires come from Sri Lanka, which has earned the stone the name "Ceylon white sapphires."

Fun Fact

Ancient Egyptians linked white sapphire to the eye of Horus. Ancient Greeks discovered white sapphire on the island of Naxos and used it when prophesying at the Oracle of Delphi, according to Thai Gem.

References

• Kai Jewels: White Sapphire
• International Colored Gemstone Association: Sapphire
• Thai Gem: Fancy Sapphire