mineral

Yellow Sapphire

Corundum (Al2O3)

Hardness: 9 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow, golden, or greenish-yellow; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 3.95–4.03.

Hardness: 9 on Mohs scale
Color: Yellow, golden, or greenish-yellow
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified June 12, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in metamorphic or igneous environments, particularly marble, basalt, or pegmatite. Often concentrated in alluvial gravel deposits (gem pits). The location (Ratnapura region, Sri Lanka) is famous for these Precambrian-aged deposits.

Uses & applications

Primary use is in high-end jewelry and as a gemstone for collectors; also used industrially for abrasives or precision instruments due to its extreme hardness.

Geological facts

Sri Lanka is known as the 'Gem Island' (Ratna-Dweepa); the yellow variety of sapphire is traditionally called 'Pushparaja' in the local Sinhalese culture and is highly valued in Vedic astrology.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its high weight (specific gravity), extreme hardness (it will scratch glass and quartz), and its characteristic crystal shape if not water-worn. Common in river beds and alluvial plains of the Sabaragamuwa Province.