gemstone
Yellow Sapphire
Corundum (Al2O3)
Hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale; color ranges from light yellow to golden-orange; vitreous to adamantine luster; trigonal crystal system; no true cleavage, exhibits parting; specific gravity of 4.00
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Physical properties
Hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale; color ranges from light yellow to golden-orange; vitreous to adamantine luster; trigonal crystal system; no true cleavage, exhibits parting; specific gravity of 4.00
Formation & geological history
Formed in metamorphic environments like marble or gneiss, and igneous environments such as alkali basalts and syenites, often recovered from secondary alluvial placer deposits
Uses & applications
Used primarily in fine jewelry (rings, necklaces, earrings) and industrial applications due to its extreme hardness
Geological facts
Sapphires belong to the corundum species, where any gem-quality corundum that is not red (which is ruby) is classified as a sapphire. Yellow color is typically caused by trace amounts of iron substituting for aluminum in the crystal lattice
Field identification & locations
Can be identified in the field by its exceptional hardness, high specific gravity (feels heavy for its size), and characteristic crystal habit if uncut; commonly found in Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Australia
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