The white gemstones and colorless are the most common colors among gemstones. Although unlike other colors, the white gemstones and colorless can be perfectly combined with any outfit, skin tone, precious metal and occasion. Since they are elegant and classic gems that add a touch of sophistication.
Join us to find out which are the most popular gemstones within this category and find out some facts about them.
Most popular white and colorless gemstones
diamonds
Diamonds are the most popular and sought after gemstone in this color category. To the point where they have almost taken over the engagement ring market and are also among the most prestigious gemstones. This is mainly due to their high hardness index of 10 on the Mohs scale, as well as the exceptional shine they exhibit when faceted.
This is how the term «diamond» is used as a synonym for strength, brilliance and distinction. However, they are not indestructible and can crack or splinter if they take a hard hit. On the other hand, although it is not as rare a stone as it is thought, diamonds are considered very valuable and can be inaccessible. But fortunately, there are synthetic diamonds on the market that make it possible to own a more affordable, ethical and sustainable diamond.
white sapphire
Despite ranking second on the Mohs hardness scale at 9, white sapphires are very durable and highly resistant. These gems are often used as a more affordable substitute for diamonds. It is the purest form of corundum and it is produced when there are no trace elements included in its formation.
An interesting fact is that, at small sizes, white sapphires can be almost indistinguishable from diamond. Although larger white sapphires can appear milky or even cloudy. They are also not as bright as diamonds and tend to be somewhat dull. Perhaps the most attractive feature of a white sapphire is its low price.
Therefore, it is possible to obtain a beautiful white sapphire gem for a fraction of the price of a diamond. Despite this, these white gemstones They are one of the four cardinal gemstones and are also very valuable and precious.
white topaz
This gem is another popular diamond substitute, white topaz, a semi-precious gemstone that can be found in abundance. While the blue topaz variety is the most valuable, topaz in nature is generally white in color. Because it is quite bright and looks like a diamond, topaz is often mistaken for one.
However, it is not as hard as a diamond because it has a value of 8 on the Mohs scale and is not as expensive. So a high quality white topaz stone can be within the budget of most people. It only remains to choose between white or colorless varieties according to your preferences.
It is important to keep white topaz clean and free of dirt, as this reduces its shine and can make it appear hazy.
zircon
These were possibly the first gemstones used to replace diamonds, before the magic of technology made synthetic versions possible. White zircon being a popular alternative to diamonds. However, zircons are often confused with cubic zirconia, synthetic stones that are imitation diamonds.
On the other hand, zircons have a brilliance and luminosity that can be compared to diamonds, but at a lower price. They also have a very high refractive index and can reflect light beautifully. Due to this, to enhance its brilliance, zircon is always faceted.
It can be cut into any known shape for a gemstone. Although zircon has a hardness that ranges between 6 and 7.5 on the Mohs scale. Being brittle and not resistant to chipping or breaking. So a diamond can scratch a zirconia, but never, on the contrary, since the diamond is the hardest mineral known. Despite this, zircon remains another natural and affordable alternative to diamonds.
white agate
Agate is a stone that we can find in all colors, from almost colorless varieties to milky white. Having white as one of its most popular colors. White agate is translucent to opaque and has a soft glassy sheen. It is a precious stone that is very attractive and when it is set in a jewel, it is a real eye-catcher.
Notably, despite not having the characteristic brilliance of most colorless gemstones, white agate does look wonderful. So it is an ideal stone for jewelry, necklaces, pendants, earrings and cocktail rings. It is an abundant gemstone around the world and therefore it is also a very affordable gemstone. And that also has a good durability of 7 on the Mohs scale.
The pearls
In the world of jewelry, pearls have always been highly valued throughout history. Perhaps because they are believed to be the perfect embodiment of sophistication and elegance. Which has allowed it to become a staple in many jewelry collections. It is also one of the members of the small group of organic gemstones. Since, they can form in molluscs and oysters naturally for several years.
In the past, pearls were very expensive and only accessible to the wealthy. But this changed with the appearance of cultured pearls in jewelry, which allowed these delicate white gemstones become more affordable and abundant.
Pearls are known for their dazzling iridescence and beautiful hues. And like other gemstones it can be found in a variety of colors, with white pearls being the best known in jewelry. Their only weak point is their hardness, which ranges between 2.5 – 4 Mohs, which indicates that they can be easily damaged. Surely you are white gemstones They never go out of style and are currently in great demand.