White and colourless gemstones are the most common colours among gemstones. Although unlike other colours, white and colourless gemstones can be perfectly combined with any outfit, skin tone, precious metal and occasion. Since these are elegant and classic gems that provide a touch of sophistication.
Join us to discover which are the most popular gemstones in this category and discover some facts about them.
Most popular white and colourless gemstones
Diamonds
Diamonds are the most popular and most sought after gemstone in this colour 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 brilliance they exhibit when faceted.
Thus, the term “diamond” is used as a synonym for strength, brilliance and distinction. However, they are not indestructible and can crack or chip if they receive a strong blow. 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 allow you to have a more affordable, ethical and sustainable diamond.
White sapphire
Despite ranking second on the Mohs hardness scale with a value of 9, white sapphires are very durable and very strong. 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 is no inclusion of trace elements in its formation.
An interesting fact is that, in small sizes, white sapphires can be almost indistinguishable from diamond. Although the 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 are one of the four cardinal gemstones and they 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 variety blue topaz is the most valuable, topaz in nature is generally white in colour. 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 it is not that expensive. So a high quality white topaz stone can be within most people’s budgets. It would only remain to choose between white or colourless varieties according to your preferences.
It is important to keep white topaz clean and free of dirt, as this reduces its shine and will make it appear hazy.
Zircon
These were possibly the first gemstones used to replace diamond, 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 imitations of diamond.
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 wonderfully. Because of this, to enhance its shine, the zircon is always faceted.
It can be cut into any shape known to 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 colours, from almost colourless varieties to milky white. Having white as one of its most popular colours. 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 really striking.
It should be noted that, despite not having the characteristic lustre of most colourless gemstones, white agate looks wonderful. So it is an ideal stone for jewellery, necklaces, pendants, earrings and cocktail rings. It is an abundant gemstone throughout the world and therefore it is also a very affordable gemstone. And it also has a good durability of 7 on the Mohs scale.
Pearls
In the world of jewellery, 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 jewellery 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 jewellery, allowing these delicate white gemstones to become more affordable and abundant.
Pearls are known for having dazzling iridescence and beautiful hues. And like other gemstones it can be found in a variety of colours, with white pearls being the best known in jewellery. Their only weak point is their hardness that ranges between 2.5 – 4 Mohs, which indicates that they can be easily damaged. These white gemstones certainly never go out of style and are currently in great demand.
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