Yellow Topaz vs Yellow Sapphire: What Are They, And What’s The Difference?

Yellow topaz and yellow sapphire often appear so similar that only experts can tell them apart.

However, these mesmerizing gemstones have some surprising differences that you should know.

To help you, we’ll cover what both minerals are and what makes them unique below.

Yellow Topaz vs Yellow Sapphire (Explained)

What Is Yellow Topaz?

Yellow topaz is a semi-precious gemstone popular thanks to its brilliant golden hue and widespread availability.

Interestingly, the yellow color of these minerals isn’t only due to trace chemicals—they often derive their dazzling shades from structural impurities.

Or sometimes even irradiation.

Yellow topaz is a pretty common mineral compared to other gems.

Amateur outdoorsmen and rockhounds may find them in riverbeds around the world.

Although, some cleaning and polishing might be necessary to appreciate its beauty fully.

Topaz is an 8 on the Mohs scale.

Meaning it’s one of the most scratch-resistant semi-precious stones in the world.

However, this level of hardness can be deceiving.

Topaz has a relatively low tenacity, which is how well a mineral resists breaking.

As a result, the gem cleaves and chips pretty easily.

Finding and Identifying Yellow Topaz

The most common places to find yellow topaz in the U.S. include Utah, Colorado, and Texas.

These stones commonly end up in riverbeds and along creeks.

Their hardness and high weight cause them to often separate from host deposits during rain or floods.

The best way to collect them is to sift through gravel around 2 inches or less in size.

First, collect any stones that appear crystalline or somewhat transparent.

Once you have a bucket of gravel (known as paydirt), you can try identifying them.

Here are some characteristics of yellow topaz:

Luster – Yellow topaz is vitreous, meaning it has a glass-like reflectiveness.

Color – As the name implies, this gem is usually a deep yellow. However, some specimens can appear darker and more brownish.

Transparency – Yellow topaz is generally semi-transparent. When you hold the stone to light, you should be able to see through it somewhat.

Heaviness and hardness – Yellow topaz is hard enough to scratch steel. Furthermore, this gem is heavy and should carry more weight than similarly sized stones.

What Is Yellow Sapphire?

Yellow sapphire is a dazzling precious gemstone belonging to the corundum family.

It’s significantly rarer than yellow topaz. And as a result, it’s also more valuable.

As the name implies, prime examples of these stones have a mesmerizing canary yellow color.

However, these sapphires may also appear slightly green or orange.

Yellow sapphires derive their rich color from traces of the element iron.

Some specimens may also appear orangeish due to chromium.

Although, too much chromium can cause a yellow sapphire to turn red and become a ruby.

On the Mohs scale, these minerals have an impressive rating of 9.

That means they’re second only to diamonds in terms of hardness.

Their scratch resistance is part of why they’re such a prized choice for jewelry.

Furthermore, yellow sapphires are several times more expensive than similarly sized and cut topaz.

As a result, many see topaz as a cheaper alternative to this rare gem.

Finding and Identifying Yellow Sapphire

Unlike yellow topaz, yellow sapphire isn’t something you can readily find in the wild.

They come from relatively few regions and are found mostly in mines.

Nonetheless, there are ways to identify this brilliant crystal:

Luster – Yellow sapphire typically has a vitreous, reflective luster. Although, some specimens may appear dull.

Color – Yellow sapphires have a canary yellow hue. They sometimes also have hints of green or orange.

Transparency – The transparency of yellow sapphires varies. Most stones are see-through, but some specimens look cloudy or opaque.

Heaviness and hardness – Sapphires are some of the hardest gemstones. With a Mohs rating of 9, only diamonds and other sapphires can scratch them. They’re also rather heavy, with a specific gravity of about 4.0.

Yellow Topaz vs. Yellow Sapphire: Similarities

Thanks to their numerous similarities, it’s pretty easy to confuse yellow sapphire and yellow topaz.

Many people even see yellow topaz as an affordable alternative to yellow sapphire.

Here are some of the things they have in common

Color – As their names imply, both gems are typically a yellow or golden hue.

Luster – Yellow sapphires and yellow topazes ordinarily possess a brilliant, vitreous luster.

Symbolism – Because of their golden hues, many cultures associate both stones with prosperity, riches, and financial success.

Use in jewelry – Yellow sapphires and yellow topaz make popular center stones for rings and necklaces.

Yellow Topaz vs. Yellow Sapphire: Differences

Beyond their surface-level resemblance, these stones are quite different.

And understanding their unique qualities will make identifying these minerals more straightforward for you.

Below are some ways these minerals contrast:

Hue – Yellow sapphire is typically a light, almost greenish canary yellow. In contrast, yellow topazes are often darker and more brownish-red.

Hardness and heaviness – Yellow sapphires are more scratch-resistant and heavier than yellow topaz.

Rarity – Yellow sapphires are much rarer than yellow topaz. While amateur geologists can hunt for topaz in rivers, yellow sapphire is elusive and primarily found in mines.

Value – Similar sized and cut yellow sapphires can be multiple times more expensive than yellow topazes.

Location – Yellow topaz occurs all across the world. However, yellow sapphires mostly come from Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Madagascar.

Why People Confuse Yellow Topaz and Yellow Sapphire

Yellow topaz and yellow sapphire are easy to mix up.

In fact, they can appear downright identical to untrained eyes.

Light-toned specimens of both stones can take on a very similar golden hue.

Additionally, these gems possess an almost equally brilliant, vitreous luster.

As a result, telling them apart by color and reflectiveness can be tricky.

Not to mention that their relative weight (specific gravity) and hardness are pretty close too.

Nonetheless, the best way to differentiate these stones is by closely assessing their appearance.

If a stone has hints of green in it, there’s a good chance that it is yellow sapphire.

On the other hand, shades of brown are more common in yellow topaz.

Additionally, yellow sapphires are usually transparent, while yellow topaz may appear more cloudy or opaque.

Conclusion

While looking similar at first glance, yellow sapphires and yellow topazes have some significant differences.

Yellow topaz is a widely-available mineral prized for its deep golden hue.

Meanwhile, yellow sapphire is much more elusive and often has a brighter, canary yellow color.