To many, it may appear like the citrine won’t be able to match up to the magnificence of a sapphire. But is that really true?
To make a fair comparison, it is essential to know the differences between citrine and yellow sapphire. That’s exactly what we’ll discuss in this article. Take a look to find out which of these beautiful gems will be the best choice for you.
Yellow Sapphire vs. Citrine: What’s the Difference?
Vibrant and beautiful, yellow sapphire and citrine are often woven into a variety of spectacular jewellery designs. And while they may look similar, these two gemstones are quite different from each other. So, let’s find out what sets them apart…
1. Colour
- Yellow Sapphire: Did you know that the colour of yellow sapphire greatly depends on the type of impurities that’re present within the stone?
Hence, while you can find this gem in several shades ranging from pale to bright yellow, it’s also available in greenish-yellow and orange-yellow hues. These eye-catching colours make sapphire engagement rings a popular choice among women who love all things vibrant. Currently, bright canary yellow sapphires are considered the most sought-after in the market. - Citrine: Typically, natural citrines can be found in different shades, which range from pale-yellow to a honey-yellow colour with a smokey brown tint. That said, golden-yellow and reddish-orange toned citrines are definitely the most desired.
2. Brilliance
- Yellow Sapphire: Blessed with a high refractive index, yellow sapphire displays excellent brilliance, which adds to its overall beauty.
- Citrine: Citrine, on the other hand, has a slightly lower refractive index which means it’s a tad less brilliant than yellow sapphire. Nevertheless, this stone’s impeccable hue is enough to draw and retain one’s attention.
3. Hardness
- Yellow Sapphire: Yellow sapphire is an incredibly tough stone. It has a rating of 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. As such, this gem does not get damaged easily and is well-suited for everyday wear.
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4. Clarity
- Yellow Sapphire: As it is formed under extreme pressure, this gemstone usually tends to have several flaws, such as fine crystals, feathers and needle-like inclusions, among others.
- Citrine: On the flip side, most of the citrines found in the market today are eye-clean, which means that they contain no visible inclusions.
5. Treatments
- Yellow Sapphire: A vast majority of yellow sapphires are heat-treated to improve their overall appearance.
- Citrine: Interestingly, natural citrines are extremely rare. Most stones available today are created by heat-treating amethysts and smoky quartz to achieve this gem’s signature hue. Also, as these stones have the same chemical composition as natural citrines, they’re considered to be real.
6. Affordability
- Yellow Sapphire: Although this gem is not as popular as pink and blue sapphires, it’s definitely accompanied by a considerably expensive price tag.
- Citrine: On the contrary, citrines are relatively light on the pocket. This makes them a good choice for anyone who wants a stunning yellow gem, but does not want to spend an exuberant amount of money on it.
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7. Popularity
- Yellow Sapphire: Considering its excellent durability and vibrant colour, it’s probably no surprise that yellow sapphire is considered a popular yellow diamond alternative today.
- Citrine: Thanks to its affordability and vivacity, citrine has earned its spot as a top-selling yellow-to-orange gemstone today.
Also Read: Yellow Gemstones: Precious & Semi-Precious
Yellow Sapphire vs. Citrine: Which One Should You Choose?
That’s entirely a matter of personal choice.
Yellow sapphire is an incredibly brilliant and precious gem. Hence, if prestige and beauty are important to you, then this gemstone definitely fits the bill.
Citrines, on the other hand, are known for their colour, clarity and affordability. Therefore, if you’re looking for an eye-catching yet pocket-friendly charmer, then we highly recommend this semi-precious stone.
Did You Know:
Natural citrines have a pale-yellow colour and are extremely scarce. To meet the growing demand for this gem, amethysts and smoky quartz (brown/blackish variety of quartz) have to undergo heat treatment. This process transforms them into citrines as they all share the same chemical composition (SiO2). The results of this widely used procedure are stable and permanent.
Citrine vs. Yellow Sapphire: The Verdict
There are three features that work in the favor of citrine – colour, clarity and affordability. Unlike yellow sapphire, the price of this gem does not rise exponentially with the increase in carat size. Also, the majority of citrines do not have eye-visible inclusions. This means you shouldn’t have any problem finding a great quality gem, that too at an affordable price.
Yellow sapphire, on the other hand, is a sweetheart of the rich and the famous. Though it’s not as expensive as a blue or pink sapphire, it can still drain your wallet. This gem displays immense beauty and strength, which obviously comes with a price tag. If you can afford it, yellow sapphire will certainly be an extraordinary possession in your jewellery box. If not, citrine will be an excellent and convenient alternative.
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Also Read– Diamond vs White Sapphire
