A crystalline sapphire （Al2O3） boule （Ф10 × 80mm^3） grown by the temperature gradient technique （TGT） is a bit colored due to carbon volatilization from the graphite heater at high temperatures and the absorption of transitional metal inclusions in the raw material. The sapphire becomes colorless and transparent after decolorization and decarbonization in successive annealings in air and hydrogen at high temperatures. The quality, optical transmissivity,and homogeneity of the sapphire are remarkably improved.
