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In this sense, the laboratory process may simply cut out the middleman! Whilst a natural white sapphire can indeed be found across the globe, lab created sapphires began original production following the production of synthetic rubies in the late 1800s.Įven naturally formed white sapphires tend to be heat-treated or chemically enhanced to rid them of a sometimes cloudy or milky appearance. Where hardness and characteristics are concerned, the natural white sapphire and lab-created sapphire are nearly indistinguishable. If we journeyed across the world to parts of Africa, Southeast Asia and the middle East (and even occasionally the western parts of the United States) we might be so lucky to find a natural white sapphire.īecause of this most white sapphires we now find in our favorite jewelry stores are actually lab-created. These sapphires have no trace mineral like the ones mentioned above which is what attributes to their rarity.Īnd, you guessed it, colorless stones are often purchased as a diamond simulant when the precious diamond stone is just out of budget.Īlthough, a naturally occurring white sapphire is incredibly hard to find. Sapphires, a type of aluminum oxide, naturally develop in a wide variety of colors depending on the traces of iron, copper, chromium, magnesium and titanium found in their chemical makeup.Ī white sapphire is also what can be known as a colorless stone. Measuring at a hefty 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, the sapphire is the third hardest mineral making them perfect for everyday wear. Sapphires of all colors are part of the corundum family along with the ruby gemstone. Deep and rich with color, the blue sapphire is certainly considered to be the most popular color of sapphire. When it comes to sapphires, we typically imagine the gorgeous hues of a dazzling blue gemstone. Recommended jewelers to buy white sapphires.Are white sapphires good for your jewelry? (Our advice).What are the pros and cons of white sapphires?.
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