gemstone

Yellow Sapphire

Corundum (Al2O3 with trace amounts of iron)

Hardness: 9 on the Mohs scale. Color: Yellow, golden, or yellowish-orange. Luster: Vitreous to adamantine. Crystal structure: Trigonal. Cleavage: None, parting may be present. Specific gravity: 3.98-4.10

Hardness: 9 on the Mohs scale
Color: Yellow, golden, or yellowish-orange
Luster: Vitreous to adamantine

Identified August 5, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in metamorphic environments like marbles and gneisses, and igneous environments such as alkali basalts and syenites, as well as alluvial secondary placer deposits. Ages vary widely from Precambrian to Cenozoic.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in fine jewelry (rings, necklaces, earrings) and occasionally in industrial applications due to extreme hardness.

Geological facts

Sapphires are the second hardest natural minerals on Earth after diamond. Yellow sapphire, sometimes called Pukhraj stone in Vedic astrology, is believed by many cultures to bring prosperity and wisdom.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified in the field by its high specific gravity, lack of cleavage, and exceptional hardness which can scratch quartz. Commonly found in Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Australia.

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