Which is more expensive, Citrine or Yellow Sapphire?

 Colorful gemstones have a different charm and affinity when compared to colorless stones. There are several varieties of gemstones that are found in myriads of shades from soft & warm to rich & dark tones. Two such warm-hued stones are the yellow sapphire and citrine, which might give off a similar look and feel but otherwise are poles apart from each other.

 

How are the Two Different?

This section will enumerate some of the major points of differentiation between the two yellow-colored gemstones: Citrine and Yellow sapphire.

 Color of the Stones

Yellow sapphires are made up of the traces of iron present in the mineral corundum of which all the sapphire varieties are made up. The yellow sapphire gemstone is mined in colors ranging from pale & light to dark & bright canary yellow. The presence of iron gives sapphire its yellow color while the presence of titanium element produces pale greenish sapphires. Citrine’s color palette, alternatively, has pale to honey-yellow hues with a brownish tinge which gives it a different appearance all due to the presence of iron element in quartz.

 

Durability of the Stones

Yellow sapphire is quite hard since it is made up of mineral corundum which scores 9 on the 10-point Mohs hardness scale. This property protects it from wear & tear, making it suitable for everyday use. Citrine, on the contrary, is rated 7 on the Mohs hardness scale and hence not as hard as the former though still durable and useful for daily wear.

 

Affordability of the Stones

Comparing the market cost of the two stones, the yellow sapphire comes with a costly price tag while citrine is relatively cheaper. This is because the former is a precious stone while the latter is semi-precious.

 

Lab Treatment of the Stones

The natural yellow sapphires are subjected to heat treatment which enhances their color and appearance. On the other hand, natural citrines mined out of quartz are extremely rare to be found in bright colors. So, both the variety of natural stones are given heat treatment to bring out their best colors. In the case of citrine, most of the stones are now developed artificially in labs with similar chemical properties which makes them as real as the natural ones.

 

Clarity of the Stones

Yellow sapphire may develop multiple inclusions as it is formed inside the earth’s surface under extensive heat and pressure. But citrine is usually clean without any inclusions; these stones are made up of transparent quartz.

 

Brilliance of the Stones

Yellow sapphire possesses a high refraction rate which makes it exceptionally brilliant while citrine is comparatively less brilliant with a lower refraction rate.

 

Natural Reserves of the Stones

Sapphire yellow is mined mostly in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Australia, India, Thailand, Tanzania, the U.S. (Montana), and  Madagascar while citrine is produced majorly in Zambia, Brazil, Madagascar, Russia, Australia, Kazakhstan, Spain, and Bolivia.

 

Who should wear what

Yellow sapphire is the gemstone of the Sagittarius and Pisces zodiac sign whereas citrine is beneficial to be kept close by those born under the Sagittarius sign. While the former is the birthstone for those born in the month of September, the latter is prescribed to those born in the month of November.

 

Spiritual Symbolism of the Stones

Yellow sapphire attracts positive energy & wisdom. Along with abundance and happiness, it brings good omen to those facing issues in their marital life.

Citrine, on the other hand,  brings good luck in managing finances which earned it the name “merchant’s stones” or “money stone”. It also indicates good health and well-being along with ensuring self-improvement and self-healing.

 

Conclusion

So the conclusion of this entire discussion is that both stones are equally mesmerizing and suitable for everyday use. However, yellow taaffeite sapphire is definitely more expensive than citrine so in case you are looking for a cost-effective alternative then the latter will be the best choice for you without any doubt. Login to GemsNY and curate your pick of exclusive yellow sapphire jewelry for yourself and your loved ones.