Whether you’re shopping for an engagement ring or a statement jewelry piece, white gemstones can surely catch your attention with their pristine beauty and flawless charm. Finding the right stone can be tricky, though.
When it comes to buying a white gemstone, there are a few things you need to know before making your decision. Let’s start with the basics: what is the difference between white sapphire and cubic zirconia?
Cubic Zirconia has become increasingly popular as an alternative to diamonds. To the untrained eye, they can be nearly impossible to tell apart. On the other hand, white sapphire can be distinguished as a naturally occurring gem that is very durable and an alternative to diamonds as well.
So how do you decide which stone is best suitable for you? Here are some factors to consider:
Difference in Appearance
Cubic Zirconia is denser than a white sapphire. This means it weighs more and has a brighter sparkle. White Sapphire Stone is more transparent, allowing light to pass through it. This gives it an attractive sparkle that isn’t as “bright” as cubic zirconia.
Usually, white sapphires are eye-clean, but they may have some blemishes visible under magnification.
Both cubic zirconia and white sapphire can be found in different colors of white, including variations of light yellow and gray. White sapphire is rare and therefore more expensive.
Difference in Durability
White sapphire is a hard, durable gemstone often used in jewelry. It is also more expensive than cubic zirconia. On the other hand, Cubic zirconia is a cheaper alternative that is not as durable as white sapphire.
White sapphire is more durable than cubic zirconia. Because it is denser, the stones don’t scratch as easily, and they can withstand more wear and tear. This makes it more suitable for rings worn every day or on special occasions.
On the other hand, Cubic zirconia can scratch easily and is not suitable for daily wear. This makes it more suitable for earrings and pendants that do not sustain daily wear.
Difference in the Value
When it comes to value, white sapphire is the clear winner. It has more value because it’s harder to find and less common than cubic zirconia. The cubic zirconia was popularized in the 1970s at The Argyle Mine in Australia.
In shades of pink, blue and yellow colors, it is considered a near-perfect imitation of the diamond. Its dispersion (fire) exceeds that of the diamond in large sizes, and it will outshine most other gemstones. While its hardness is only about seven on the Mohs scale (compared to 10 for diamond), it has a high resistance to scratching. This, along with great brilliance and attractive price, makes it a popular substitute for diamonds.”
White sapphire carries more value even though it’s slightly less brilliant than cubic zirconia. It’s important to note that while both gemstones are colorless and do not naturally have a color, cubic zirconia is often given an orange or yellow hue. This makes it more difficult to cut and can affect the way it reflects light.
Differences in Metaphysical Properties
White sapphire is associated with the zodiac sign of Libra, which represents fairness or justice. Ancient Egyptians considered it sacred because it was believed to protect against harm. White sapphire is associated with the third eye and crown chakras, making it great for meditation and psychic readings.
It’s also thought to have a calming effect that can help ease emotional pain and stress, both physical and emotional. Cubic zirconia doesn’t carry any metaphysical properties. If you’re looking for a gemstone with special significance, white sapphire is the better choice. Sapphire is the Birthstone for September, while Cubic Zirconia is not a birthstone at all.
Differences in Origin
White sapphire originates in Sri Lanka, India, Australia, Thailand, and China. It’s also found in Madagascar. Some worldwide mines are known for producing white sapphires of high quality. These include the US states of Montana and North Carolina and parts of Canada, including Saskatchewan.
On the other hand, cubic zirconia is a lab-made stone created by mixing the oxides of the rare earth metals magnesium, zirconium, and either aluminum or calcium. Cubic zirconia is also known as zirconium dioxide or ZrO2.
Differences in Pricing
Cubic zirconia is the least expensive of the two. On the other hand, white sapphire can be more expensive because of its rarity.
Cubic zirconia can be a better choice if you’re on a budget and looking for something affordable. However, it does not have the same durability as white sapphire, making it less suitable for rings and other jewelry that will need to withstand daily wear.
For most consumers, cubic zirconia is enough to meet their needs. However, if you’re looking for a long-lasting gem that will have great value, white sapphire is the better choice.
Though many people may not be able to distinguish between white sapphire and cubic zirconia, it’s important to know all the facts about these two gemstones.
Differences in Hardness or Scratch Resistance
Cubic Zirconia has a Mohs scale of 8-8.5, making it durable enough to be set in rings and most other types of jewelry, but it is the most durable stone on the market. White sapphire has a Mohs scale of 9, making it two steps tougher than Cubic Zirconia. It is a much more durable stone and suitable for jewelry that takes daily wear.
Differences in Brilliance or Sparkle
White sapphire’s refractive index of 1.762-1.778 can lead to high levels of surface brilliance. This means that the stone will reflect light better than other gemstones and diamonds. Cubic Zirconia has a refractive index of 2.15-2.18, which is not as high as white sapphire but still makes it more brilliant than most other gemstones or diamonds.
Conclusion: Which One to Buy?
Cubic Zirconia is the better choice if you’re looking for something affordable to wear occasionally. If you want a more durable gem with greater value, white sapphire is the better choice.
Whichever gemstone you choose, buy it from a reputable store like GemPundit. They offer high-quality gemstones at affordable prices with a free lab certificate so that you can get the best value for your money.
