White Sapphire

About this White Sapphire

A single white, or colourless, sapphire of 5.00 carats, described by the supplier as Ceylon White Sapphire, with an origin of Sri Lanka and a treatment of natural and unheated, both as described by the supplier. White sapphire is corundum without the trace elements that colour ruby and blue sapphire. It sits at 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, just below diamond, so it takes a crisp polish and wears well. In Hindi it is often called Safed Pukhraj, a name that describes its colour and does not make it a yellow sapphire.

In Jyotish, white sapphire is widely offered as an upratna, or substitute stone, for diamond, and so it is associated with Venus (Shukra), which classical texts connect with marriage, art, beauty and comforts. As with diamond, it is traditionally set in silver, white gold or platinum, worn on the middle or ring finger depending on lineage, and first put on on a Friday morning. Not every astrologer accepts substitutes, and those who do sometimes suggest a heavier weight than they would for diamond.

You receive the loose stone; a ring or pendant is not included. Colourless gems look their brightest when light can reach them from behind, so ask your jeweller for an open setting, and note the carat weight on the receipt so you can confirm the same stone after setting.

Whether Venus should be strengthened in your chart, and whether a substitute is acceptable, are both questions for an astrologer who has read your birth chart.

Astrological significance

Venus is the karaka of marriage, the arts and comforts in Jyotish. White sapphire is used as a substitute for diamond when Venus is to be strengthened and diamond is not chosen, usually when Venus rules the ascendant or a trine and is well placed, or during a Venus dasha. Acceptance of substitute stones differs between astrologers, and no ascendants are recorded for this listing, so ask about your chart first.

Care & first wear

Wash in warm water with a little mild soap and a soft brush, especially behind the stone where lotion collects; rinse and dry. Sapphire resists scratches but can chip at the edges if struck. Store it apart from diamonds, which can scratch it, and from softer gems that it could scratch in turn.