The Allure of Yellow Sapphire
Yellow Sapphire |
Sapphire and ruby are the very same mineral, corundum. All members of the corundum family are aluminum oxide, which in its pure state is colorless. The wide range of colors in corundum is caused by various impurities such as chromium, titanium and iron.
Red corundum, colored by chromium, has become known as ruby while all other colors of corundum are known as sapphire. Within the sapphire group there is another color distinction: between classic blue sapphire (known in the trade simply as sapphire) and all the other colors of sapphire (pink, yellow, green, violet, white) which are known as fancy sapphire.
Among the fancy sapphires, yellow sapphire, colored by trace amounts of iron, has become especially popular with gemstone buyers. One reason is that canary yellow diamonds have become a significant fashion trend. The more affordable yellow sapphire has become an attractive substitute for those unwilling to pay the exorbitant prices for yellow diamond. Since yellow sapphire also has excellent brilliance and hardness, it has also become a fashionable choice as a center stone for engagement rings, usually surrounded by smaller diamonds.
Another reason for the popularity of yellow sapphire is that this gemstone has a special place in the Vedic astrology of India. According to the Vedic tradition, there are nine gemstones which are thought to have special significance for human life: ruby, pearl, coral, emerald, yellow sapphire, diamond, blue sapphire, chrysoberyl cat's eye, and hessonite garnet. These nine gemstones are thought to correspond to the nine planets, with yellow sapphire being the gem associated with Jupiter.
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Yellow Sapphire is thought to attract wealth and brings prosperity to the home. It is said to stimulate the intellect and improve overall focus, enhancing wisdom. Yellow Sapphire assists in bringing fulfillment of ambition. For example, it is recommended that a girl who wears yellow sapphire will get married early. People aspiring to administrative and political positions should wear it to give them the benefit of fate on their side. It also acts as a protective charm. Those who find obstruction in the progress of their educational field, or those who suffer losses from property matters should wear yellow sapphire for removal of their difficulties. It is also alleged to aid in eliminating impurities from the body and stimulating the lymphatic system. Astrological gemologists recommend yellow sapphire to treat liver and gallbladder problems as well as disorders of the spleen and stomach.
Oval Cut Yellow Sapphire |
There are a number of recommendations for wearing yellow sapphire. It is recommended that the sapphire be set in gold, and be worn starting on a Thursday, within an hour of sunrise. If set in a ring, the ring should be worn on the index finger. It is very important that the sapphire be of high quality. The theory is that the larger and cleaner the stone, the better the results. An inferior gem is thought to cause more problems than it solves. For example, it is believed that a stone with cracks invites threats, and one with poor luster and transparency creates enemies and causes disharmony in the family.
Yellow sapphire comes in a range of hues, from the palest yellow to lemon to honey and yellow-orange. The brighter and more saturated colors are often achieved through heat treatment. Yellow sapphire is found in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Madagascar and Burma. |
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