As a gemstone buyer, you may be curious about the different types of white gemstones available on the market. With so many options to choose from, we hope this guide will help you make an informed decision about which white gemstone is right for you.
From diamonds to pearls, these precious and semi-precious stones in whites are sure to add a touch of elegance to any outfit. So whether you’re looking for white engagement rings or just want to add some sparkle to your style, be sure to check out our list of 12 popular white precious and semi-precious gemstones!
However, before we get into it, let’s learn the basics concerning white gemstones.
What are White Gemstones: Name, Meaning, Benefits and Qualities
For many people, white is the color of purity, simplicity, and innocence. It’s no wonder, then, that white gemstones are often associated with these qualities. In fact, they have a wide range of meaning and symbolism attached to them.
From enhancing creativity and imagination to promoting peace and clarity, white gemstones are said to offer a range of benefits. And when it comes to quality, they are certainly no slouches. With their crisp color and stunning shine, they make a beautiful addition to any jewelry collection.
Types of White Gemstones to Choose From
Most people are familiar with the classic “four Cs” of diamonds: carat, clarity, color, and cut. But what about the fifth C? Caveat emptor, or “buyer beware.” With so many different types of white gemstone names and colors on the market, it’s important to do your research before making a purchase. Here are the main two types:
White Precious Gemstones
Diamonds are the solitary member of the rare precious white gemstones club. These stones are extremely hard, meaning they’re durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. They’re also quite sparkly, which makes them popular choices for engagement rings and other jewelry. However, precious gemstones can also be quite expensive. Diamonds, in particular, can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.
White Semi-Precious Gemstones
Semi-precious gemstones are another option for those looking for a white stone. Popular choices include zircon, opal, pearl, and quartz. Semi-precious stones are not as hard as precious stones, so they may require more care when cleaning and storing them. However, they tend to be more affordable than their precious counterparts. And because there are so many different types of semi-precious stones, it’s easy to find one that fits your budget and style.
Also See: List of Gemstones Ranked According to Value – View The Gems Price Chart
List of White Precious and Semi-Precious Stones
We’ve curated a list of white precious and semi-precious gemstones, each with its own unique properties and characteristics.
1. White Diamond
White diamonds are the most beautiful and coveted white precious stones in the world. They are the hardest known natural material on earth. This means that they’re extremely resistant to scratching, chipping, and other forms of wear and tear.
Furthermore, white diamonds are also renowned for their incredible brilliance and fire. When cut and polished correctly, they can emit a tremendous amount of light, making them truly dazzling to behold. Finally, these precious white gems are so rare that only a handful of mines in the world produce them in commercial quantities. All of these factors combine to make white diamond jewelry, such as diamond rings and necklaces, the most valuable and desirable of all white gemstone jewelry on the planet.
2. White Topaz
White topaz is a white semi-precious stone found in a variety of other colors, including white, pink, blue, and violet. It has a wide range of optical properties, including high refractive index, dispersion, and birefringence.
White topaz is also chemically inert and has a high melting point. It is used in a variety of jewelry applications, including rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets.
3. White Sapphire
White sapphire is one of the rarest and most valuable white gemstones in the world. Here are some of the most notable features of white sapphire:
- Incredibly hard and durable, making it an ideal choice for fine jewelry
- Renowned for its brilliance and fire
- Extremely clear and pure, without any impurities or inclusions
- Typically found in metamorphic rocks, such as marble or quartzite.
Also Read: Blue Gemstones: A List of 10 Precious and Semi-Precious Stones That Are Blue
4. White Cat’s Eye Moonstone
White Cat’s Eye Moonstone is one of the most unique and beautiful semi-precious white stones available. It is found in a variety of colors, but the all-white variety is truly stunning. The stone has a very high refractive index, meaning that it is extremely brilliant.
When cut properly, it can display a stunning chatoyance or ‘cat’s eye’ effect. The stone is also fairly durable, making it a great choice for jewelry.
5. White Howlite
White Howlite is one of those semi-precious white gemstones that have been used in jewelry and other decorative items for centuries. Its popularity is due to its beauty, durability, and rarity.
Although it is not as rare as some of the other white gemstones, it is still quite valuable.
White Howlite is prized for its translucent quality and its ability to take on a high polish. It is also known for its strength and hardness. These qualities make it an excellent choice for use in rings, bracelets, pendants, and earrings.
6. White Zircon
Unlike diamonds, white zircon is not transparent. It has a high refractive index, meaning that it disperses light well. This gives white zircon a brilliance that is similar to diamond, but at a fraction of the price. In addition, it is hard enough to be used in applications where diamond would be too soft, such as in drill bits.
However, white zircon is relatively fragile and can be easily chipped or broken if not handled carefully. Despite the drawbacks, it remains a popular choice for those looking for a beautiful and affordable white stone.
Also Read: Black Gemstones: List of 10 Black Precious and Semiprecious Gemstones
7. Moonstone
Moonstone is named for its moon-like sheen, which is caused by light reflecting off of the stone’s surface. Moonstone typically has a white or pale-colored base color with a blue or white sheen.The stone’s luster is due to the mineral composition of feldspar.
Moonstone is used in jewelry and as an ornamental stone. It is also believed to have metaphysical properties. Moonstone is thought to promote intuition, creativity, and empathy. It is also said to promote emotional balance and stability.
8. White Opal
Opal is a type of quartz that contains up to 20% water. This gives the stone a soft, jelly-like texture that can make it susceptible to breakage. This is caused by the stone’s unique structure, which diffracts light to create a rainbow-like effect. The intensity and patterns of color vary from piece to piece, making each white opal truly one-of-a-kind.
While most precious stones are rated on a hardness scale of 1-10, white opal falls somewhere in the middle at 5.5-6.5. This means it’s not as tough as diamonds or other minerals, but it’s still durable enough for everyday wear.
9. White Coral
White coral is incredibly strong and durable, making it an excellent choice for everyday wear. It is also very light-weight, so it will not weigh down your jewelry. And because it is white, it will go with any outfit and any style.
White coral has a number of benefits for your health. It is said to detoxify the blood, improve circulation, and boost the immune system. It is also believed to be helpful in treating anxiety and depression. It is thought to bring good luck, fortune, and protection from harm.
So if you are looking for a unique white semi-precious stone to add to your collection, white coral is definitely worth considering.
10. White Quartz
White Quartz is a semi-precious stone composed of silicon dioxide and is one of the hardest minerals on Earth. Quartz has a wide range of colors, from clear to white, and can even be found in shades of yellow, pink, and brown. However, white quartz is the most popular type of quartz because of its clean, crisp color.
White quartz is said to represent purity and innocence, making it a popular choice for engagement and wedding rings. In addition to its beauty, it is believed to promote detoxification, improve circulation, and boost the immune system. White quartz is also said to be a powerful stress reliever.
Also See: List of Gemstones: A Complete Guide to Their Names and Meanings
11.White Scolecite
While many white gemstones are commonly thought of, white scolecite is not one of them. However, scolecite is relatively rare, which increases its value. It has a high degree of transparency, which means that it can be cut into brilliant white stones. Finally, Scolecite has excellent hardness, making it suitable for use in jewelry.
Moreover, white scolecite is said to promote peace and tranquility. It is also believed to help ease stress and anxiety, as well as improve communication.
12. White Pearl
White pearl is one of the few white gemstones that is actually white in color. It is very durable and does not scratch easily. This makes it an excellent choice for people who are looking for a white semi-precious stone that will last a long time.
Thanks to their classic beauty, they have been highly prized throughout history. White pearls are believed to represent purity, innocence, and new beginnings. As such, pearl rings make an excellent choice for special occasions like weddings and engagements.
FAQs
The rarest white gemstones are diamonds.
The value of a white gemstone is typically based on its rarity and quality. Some factors that jewelers may consider when assessing the value of a white gemstone include the clarity, cut, color, and carat weight of the stone.
No, not all white gemstones are equally durable. Diamonds, for example, are much more durable than quartz.
Which One Do You Like the Best?
Whether you’re looking for something to boost your spiritual energy or just want a pretty piece of jewelry, there’s definitely a white gemstone out there for you.
Have you chosen one that speaks to your heart? Let us know which white gemstone is your favorite in the comments below.
