Question 1

Is yellow sapphire the same as citrine or yellow topaz?

Accepted Answer

No. Yellow sapphire is corundum, with a hardness of 9, while citrine is quartz and topaz is a different mineral, both softer. Sapphire also has a higher refractive index and density, and a gemmological laboratory or trained gemmologist can separate them easily. Price and durability differ considerably, so identification should be confirmed on any unfamiliar stone.

Question 2

Why are some yellow sapphires much cheaper than others?

Accepted Answer

Price depends on colour purity and saturation, clarity, cut, size and treatment. Pale or brownish stones cost far less than a saturated pure yellow. Beryllium-diffused stones should cost much less than heated-only or unheated stones of similar appearance, which is why a lab report stating treatment matters. Large, clean stones with top colour are the most expensive.

Question 3

Where do yellow sapphires come from?

Accepted Answer

Sri Lanka is the classic source of bright yellow sapphires, and Madagascar, Tanzania and Australia also produce commercial quantities. Origin rarely drives yellow sapphire prices as strongly as it does for blue sapphire or ruby, although Ceylon origin is often preferred. Where origin matters to the buyer, a lab report can provide an opinion, though it cannot always be determined.

Question 4

Can yellow sapphire colour fade?

Accepted Answer

Natural and heated yellow sapphire colour is generally stable. Colour produced by irradiation, and some natural colour caused by unstable colour centres, can fade in daylight or with gentle heat. Laboratories can test for stability when there is doubt. If a yellow sapphire looks unusually bright for its price, ask whether its colour stability has been checked.

Yellow Sapphires