White Sapphire (Safed Pukhraj)

White Sapphire (known in Hindi as Safed Pukhraj and gemologically as Leucosapphire) is the pure, colorless variety of Natural Corundum (Al₂O₃):

• Pure Crystalline Corundum: While blue, yellow, and red corundum (ruby) derive their vibrant colors from trace impurities of titanium, iron, or chromium, White Sapphire forms completely free of chromophore trace elements, yielding a crystal-clear, transparent body with a bright vitreous luster.
• Silvery Radiance vs. Rainbow Fire: White Sapphire has a refractive index of 1.762 to 1.770 and a dispersion rating of 0.018. In comparison, Diamond has a dispersion of 0.044 and Moissanite rates at 0.104. Consequently, while diamond and moissanite produce intense spectral rainbow “fire,” White Sapphire displays a clean, elegant, silvery-white radiance. This subtle, sophisticated glow is a hallmark of authentic natural corundum, not a defect.
• Durability for Daily Wear: Ranking at 9.0 on the Mohs hardness scale (second only to diamond at 10), White Sapphire is harder than the quartz grains in ordinary dust, so it keeps its polish well with normal care.

Yes. Our White Sapphires are natural, earth-mined corundum, listed as unheated:

• Ceylon (Sri Lanka) Origin: Mined from the legendary gem gravels of Ratnapura, Ceylon White Sapphires are world-renowned for exceptional crystalline clarity, pure colorless water transparency, and delicate microscopic rutile silk. Ceylon stones are the traditional first choice, both for fine jewellery and in Vedic tradition.
• Unheated and Untreated: In the wider market, lower-grade corundum is often heated, beryllium-diffused or glass-filled to hide flaws. Our White Sapphires are listed as unheated and untreated, with no fillers, chemical treatment or irradiation, and the product specification states it. Learn more in our White Sapphire (Safed Pukhraj) Buying Guide.
• Single-Stone Transparency: Each gemstone in our collection is an individual, non-calibrated specimen photographed in high-definition video so you inspect the exact facet symmetry and natural clarity before purchasing.

Every White Sapphire at Ratna Gems is individually tested and comes with a printed report from an independent gem testing laboratory. The report identifies the stone and records the details it prints; the product specification gives the full detail:

• Mineral Species: Natural Corundum
• Gemstone Variety: Natural White Sapphire (Safed Pukhraj)
• Precise Weight: Exact carat and traditional ratti measurements (e.g., 8.08 Carat / 8.88 Ratti) verified on high-precision analytical balances
• Optical & Physical Constants: Refractive Index (1.762–1.770, birefringence 0.008, uniaxial negative), Specific Gravity (3.99–4.01), and Mohs hardness (9.0)
• Treatment Disclosure: The stone’s treatment status (for example, Natural / Un-Heated) with intact natural silk and growth zoning
• Report Number: Each report carries its own report number, which you can quote to the laboratory to check it.

Lab Report Included: Every gemstone comes with a report from an independent gem testing laboratory at no extra charge. If you specifically require an additional report from GII, IIGJ, or IGI, you can select it from the certification dropdown on the product page (official laboratory testing fees apply in advance on a non-refundable basis).

Thanks to its superior Mohs 9 hardness and absent cleavage, White Sapphire is exceptionally resilient and well-suited for everyday engagement rings, eternity bands, and pendants:

• Everyday Durability: White Sapphire resists scratches, chips, and impact from daily activities far better than softer alternatives like cubic zirconia (Mohs 8.0–8.5) or glass (Mohs 5.5). It will not abrade against household materials.
• Recommended Cleaning: Clean periodically with warm water, mild fragrance-free liquid soap, and a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove accumulated skin oils, lotions, and dust from behind the pavilion facets. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and pat dry with a lint-free microfiber cloth.
• Ultrasonic & Steam Cleaning: Because our White Sapphires are unheated and untreated, with no glass filling, they can usually go through professional ultrasonic and steam cleaning, unless a stone has surface-reaching fractures.

In Indian Vedic tradition and cultural lapidary practices, White Sapphire holds a revered position:

• Vedic Planetary Association: In Indian practice, Safed Pukhraj is commonly worn as an Upratna (substitute) for Diamond (Heera), associated with the planet Venus (Shukra). In Jyotish tradition, Venus is associated with the arts, beauty and relationships.
• Astrological Choice: When natural, untreated diamonds of high carat weight and purity are cost-prohibitive, White Sapphire provides an authentic, high-clarity Earth-mined corundum alternative for traditional wear.
• Customary Metals: Traditionally set in White Gold (14K/18K), Platinum, or Sterling Silver (925 Silver). Yellow gold or Panchdhatu alloys are also utilized based on individual preference.
• Traditional Placement: Customarily worn on the ring finger (Anamika) or little finger (Kanishtha) of the right/working hand on Friday mornings during Shukla Paksha (waxing moon).