Yellow topaz and yellow sapphire are both gemstones known for their bright yellow colors. Each stone has its own unique qualities that make it special for jewelry lovers and collectors.
The key difference between yellow topaz and yellow sapphire is their properties. Yellow topaz is a silicate mineral with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, while yellow sapphire is a variety of corundum with a hardness of 9, which makes it more durable and valuable.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Yellow Topaz
3. What is Yellow Sapphire
4. Similarities – Yellow Topaz and Yellow Sapphire
5. Yellow Topaz vs Yellow Sapphire in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Yellow Topaz vs Yellow Sapphire
7. FAQ – Yellow Topaz and Yellow Sapphire
What is Yellow Topaz?
Yellow topaz is a gemstone that has a yellow, brown, and golden color and is found around the world. Stones with deeper yellow are more valuable than lighter stones. This difference in shades is a result of the iron content in topaz. Furthermore, topaz is a member of the silicate mineral family. Yellow topaz has a rating of 8 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has a high dispersion and refractive index, giving it a spark when held to the light. The unique color of this gemstone complements warm colors.
Yellow topaz is a relatively common gemstone. It is often mined from granite pegmatite deposits. Brazil is the biggest supplier of these gemstones. It’s important to know that majority of yellow topaz in the market is treated to enhance their clarity, color, and durability.
Yellow topaz has many uses. It is used in decorations and jewelry, such as earrings, rings, and necklaces. Since it’s a hard gemstone, it can withstand scratches and bumps and can be used for everyday wear. It is also used for metaphysical purposes. In fact, yellow topaz symbolizes good health, joy, and abundance.
What is Yellow Sapphire?
Yellow sapphire is a type of parti sapphire that has a golden or yellow color. They may have many different shades, from vibrant sunshine yellow to mustard yellow and pale yellow. The brighter and purer the color is, the more valuable the price is.
These gemstones are made of corundum and get their yellow color from the trace elements of iron. When there are higher amounts of iron, richer the colour of iron is. However, this color can be further enhanced. It can be naturally enhanced by the earth through natural radiation or can be synthetically enhanced in labs. Yellow sapphires are known to have a very high clarity and fewer inclusions. Moreover, they are very durable and are only second in hardness to diamonds.
Yellow sapphires are mostly sourced from countries like Australia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Madagascar. However, they are less common than other sapphires like blue sapphires. This makes them very valuable.
Yellow sapphires go well most metals, including gold, silver, and platinum. Yellow sapphires also symbolize love and fidelity as well as good luck and good energy.
Similarities Between Yellow Topaz and Yellow Sapphire
- Both yellow topaz and sapphire are yellow in color.
- They are used in various types of jewelry, including rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
- Both gemstones are believed to have metaphysical properties.
- Both stones are relatively hard and durable.
Difference Between Yellow Topaz and Yellow Sapphire
Definition
- Yellow topaz is a gemstone that has a yellow, brown to golden color and is found around the world, whereas yellow sapphire is a type of parti sapphire that has a golden or yellow color.
Composition
- Yellow topaz is a silicate mineral of aluminum and fluorine, while yellow sapphire is a variety of corundum with traces of iron.
Hardness
- Yellow topaz measures 8 on the Mohs scale, while yellow sapphire measures 9 on the Mohs scale.
Refractive Index
- Yellow topaz has a refractive index of about 1.609 to 1.643, whereas yellow sapphire has a refractive index of about 1.762 to 1.770.
Luster
- While yellow topaz has a vitreous (glassy) luster, yellow sapphire has a vitreous to subadamantine (slightly more brilliant than glassy) luster.
Value
- Yellow topaz is generally less expensive than yellow sapphire whereas yellow sapphire is generally more valuable, especially when of high clarity and vivid color.
The following table summarizes the difference between yellow topaz and yellow sapphire.
Summary – Yellow Topaz vs Yellow Sapphire
Yellow topaz is a silicate mineral with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, while yellow sapphire is a variety of corundum with a hardness of 9, which makes it more durable and valuable. This is the basic difference between yellow topaz and yellow sapphire.
FAQ: Yellow Topaz and Yellow Sapphire
1. Which is better, topaz or sapphire?
- Yellow sapphire is often considered better because of its higher hardness (9 on the Mohs scale), durability, and higher value. However, yellow topaz is also an attractive and affordable alternative. It’s a good option for those looking for a beautiful gemstone at a lower cost.
2. How to tell topaz from sapphire?
- Topaz is less dense compared to yellow sapphire and typically has a bright, dark yellow color, while yellow sapphire has a light yellow, transparent appearance. Some say that an authentic yellow sapphire will slip from between the index finger and thumb of your right hand.
3. How to tell if a yellow topaz is real?
- Topaz typically has a soft, warm yellow tone, which ranges from light yellow to dark yellow, and sometimes displaying variations of orange or brown, depending on its purity and composition. An original topaz will scratch glass and feel cool to the touch. Additionally, real topaz can become easily electrified; if you rub it against a woolen cloth, it will start to attract paper, hair, and other lightweight objects.
4. Who should not wear topaz?
- According to astrology, those with the zodiac signs Libra, Virgo, Aquarius, Gemini, and Capricorn are generally advised not to wear topaz. Moreover, topaz should not be worn with emerald, diamond, hessonite, or sapphire.
5. What is the original color of topaz?
- The original color of topaz is typically a colorless or pale hue, but it can also naturally occur in a range of colors, including yellow, brown, and light blue. Yellow topaz is one of its most recognized and valued natural colors.
Reference:
1. “Yellow Topaz.” The Gem Library.
2. “10 Things to Know Before Buying a Yellow Sapphire.” Jasonree.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Yellow topaz ring 2” By Mauro Cateb – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Yellow sapphire oval gemstone” By Gemsphoto – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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