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Gemstone profile and identification guide

Yellow Sapphire

Yellow sapphire is the yellow color variety of corundum valued for durability and bright color.

9 Mohs Golden Yellow, Canary Yellow Oxide (Corundum Variety: Yellow Sapphire)
Yellow Sapphire

Overview

Yellow sapphire is the yellow color variety of corundum valued for durability and bright color.

Did you know? Heat treatment is common in many commercial yellow sapphires and should be disclosed.

Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.

Identification

Name: Yellow Sapphire

Scientific classification: Oxide (Corundum Variety: Yellow Sapphire)

Hardness: 9 Mohs

Transparency: transparent

Lustre: vitreous

Crystal system: Trigonal

Primary colour: Golden Yellow

Secondary colour: Canary Yellow

Colour family: Oranges & Yellows

Corundum RI/SG and birefringence identify yellow sapphire and separate it from topaz and citrine.

Verification Status

Status: verified-core-fields

Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society

Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.

Final remaining profile set completed in targeted pass.

Physical Properties

Hardness category: very hard

Hardness value: 9 Mohs

Chemical composition: Aluminum oxide (Al2O3)

Crystal system: Trigonal

Common locations: Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Thailand, Australia, Tanzania

Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.

Colour Variations

Yellow corundum in pale to vivid golden hues.

Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.

Detailed Gemology

Mineral species: Corundum (yellow sapphire)

Mineral group: Corundum group

Chemical formula: Aluminum oxide (Al2O3)

Mohs hardness: 9

Crystal system: Trigonal

Lustre: vitreous

Transparency: transparent

Streak: White

Cleavage: Variable by species/material

Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven

Specific gravity: 3.99-4.01

Refractive index: 1.76-1.77

Optical phenomena: None typically diagnostic

Colour range: Pale yellow to vivid canary/golden yellow

Common inclusions: Species-dependent inclusions and growth features

Geological environment: Species-dependent

Principal mining regions: Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Thailand, Australia, Tanzania

Important commercial sources: Yellow sapphire is sourced from major corundum localities with variable treatment prevalence

Historical significance: Recognized in gemological and lapidary trade.

Common treatments: Heat treatment common; diffusion treatment may occur in lower-grade material.

Synthetic or imitation forms: Imitations may exist depending on species.

Common look-alikes: Species-dependent look-alikes.

Jewellery uses: Used in rings, pendants, and high-end faceted jewelry.

Care recommendations: Excellent durability for daily wear; standard care is sufficient.

Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Yellow Sapphire.

Formation

Forms in metamorphic and igneous aluminum-rich geological environments.

Origin

Yellow sapphire is sourced from major corundum localities with variable treatment prevalence

Uses

Best for: Used in rings, pendants, and high-end faceted jewelry.

Ideal uses: Durable fine jewelry center stones.

Yellow Sapphire FAQ

How can I identify Yellow Sapphire?

Compare hardness (9 Mohs), crystal system (Trigonal), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.

What colour range does Yellow Sapphire appear in?

Yellow corundum in pale to vivid golden hues.

Where is Yellow Sapphire commonly used?

Durable fine jewelry center stones.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.