By Chisom Ibemere
Yellow sapphire is called Pukhraj in Hindi and it is a variety of the mineral corundum. It has a rich history and has been valued for centuries.
It is believed to have originated in Sri Lanka and has been highly prized in Indian culture for its association with the planet Jupiter and its astrological significance. In ancient times, it is believed to bring prosperity, good fortune, and wisdom.
Yellow sapphire occurs in countries such as Sri Lanka, Thailand, Australia, Madagascar, and Tanzania. The gemstone occurs in igneous and metamorphic rocks, often in secondary deposits such as riverbeds and alluvial gravels. Sri Lanka, in particular, is known for producing some of the finest yellow sapphires in the world.
Yellow sapphire is basically used as a gemstone in jewelry. It is often cut into faceted shapes and used in rings, pendants, earrings, and other ornamental pieces. It is known to have astrological and healing properties as a result of its aesthetic qualities. It is considered a precious gem and is highly sought after by gem collectors and those seeking astrological benefits.
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Yellow sapphires belong to the corundum family including other gemstones such as rubies and blue sapphires. The gemstone forms due to the presence of iron and titanium impurities in the crystal lattice. It has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the hardest gemstones. This durability allows it to withstand wear and tear in jewelry and makes it suitable for everyday wear.
It has a colour range from pale yellow to vibrant golden hues. The most prized and valuable yellow sapphires exhibit a uniform and intense yellow color. It has a vitreous to adamantine luster and are often transparent or semi-transparent. The clarity of yellow sapphires varies, and gemstones with fewer inclusions and a higher degree of transparency are considered more valuable.
The value of yellow sapphire is influenced by several factors, including color, clarity, size, origin, and overall aesthetic appeal. Gem-quality yellow sapphires with vibrant and even color distribution, accompanied by high transparency and minimal inclusions, are typically more valuable than others. Its demand is based on factors such as current fashion trends, cultural significance, and astrological beliefs.
Prices for high-quality yellow sapphires can range from several hundred dollars per carat to thousands of dollars per carat which may fluctuate based on market demand.
Nigeria is endowed with sapphire deposits that are basically seen in places like: Plateau, Niger, Kaduna states.
