Yellow Coloured Gemstones

Yellow Coloured Gemstones
By Alice Koh

Yellow is one of the main centered colours of the rainbow, the other is green. In nature, yellow is the colour of the sun, of lemons and bees, birds, of flowers and leaves. All these are associated with energy, life giving powers such as bees and the pollen of flowers, and the warmth of the sun.

Yellow brings the energy of the sun which is vitality and positivity, prosperity and the feeling of confidence. Yellow stimulates the left half of the brain which is the logical side of the brain that deals with focus and decision making.

Yellow, too, has been used as a warning sign, caution, and the appearance in the body can suggest illness such as malaria, jaundice or in general the body being sick. In the United States and in the United Kingdom, someone who is yellow means someone who is a coward. In Japan, on the other hand, yellow is the color of courage. In Thailand, Monday is the day to wear yellow.

Like most gemstones, yellow gemstones come in different varieties of yellow, hardness, durability, transparency and price. Some are very affordable while others are highly priced.

The most expensive of the yellow gemstones is the yellow diamond.

Yellow Diamond

The fact is, diamonds can be found in many colours. Yellow coloured diamond is the most common of all the coloured diamond varieties. It comes with the fire and brilliance typical of the colourless diamond.

Natural, untreated yellow diamonds are very rare. Some diamonds are treated with irradiation to improve the colour of the stone. Treated yellow diamonds are more affordable.

Yellow diamonds are often cut into fancier shapes such as pear, oval, radiant, princess (square), emerald (octagon), asscher, cushion, rose cut, heart and trillion shapes.

Diamonds have a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale, making them the hardest of all gemstones. This hardness means that yellow diamonds can be used for all types of jewellery, and can be worn everyday without any fears of being chipped, scratched or broken.

The diamond is the birthstone of April. It is a powerful stone of protection and is very spiritual. It is known as the Master Healer and the Stone of Invincibility, a stone that was taken into battles, especially by kings.

A more affordable gemstone similar to diamond but with more fire and brilliance is Yellow Zircon.

Yellow Zircon

In Sanskrit it is known as Rahuratna, the stone of the nodes of the moon or the dragons of the solar and lunar eclipses. These dragons are the two kundalini serpents, and the two snakes of the Caduceus of Mercury.

Not many people know about zircon even though it is a natural stone and is rarer than a diamond. Not only that but it has been in the earth for 4.5 billion years proving that zircon lasts forever instead of the heavily commercialised and propagated diamonds.

Zircon has a high refractive index (1.810 to 2.024), which is somewhat close to that of diamond (2.417 to 2.419). It also has a double refraction. This means that light entering the gemstone splits into two rays of light and you get double the sparkle of that of a diamond. Hence, zircon comes also with an impressive fire or dispersion which is the ability to split white light into many spectral colors.

Zircon has a hardness ranging from 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. It is transparent to translucent with a vitreous to brilliant sheen luster. It comes in a variety of colours such as colourless, yellow, brown, orange, red, violet, black, green and blue. The various colours are due to minute traces of radioactive elements like uranium and thorium, and rare earth elements.

However, yellow zircon is heat treated and this is done to improve its colour. Nonetheless, untreated specimens of yellow zircon can sometimes be found.

Trade names for zircon include: Canary Zircon which is yellow in colour just like the canary bird. Hyacinth is the yellow, orange and red zircon which is also known as "hyacinth" from the flower hyacinthus, its name of ancient Greek origin.

Jargoon or jargon (occasionally in old writings jargounce and jacounce) is a name applied by gemologists to those zircons which are fine enough to be cut as gemstones but are not of the red colour which characterizes the hyacinth or jacinth. Some of the finest jargoons are green, others brown and yellow, whilst some are colourless.

During the Middle Ages, zircon was believed to be able to help the wearer to sleep and to ward off nightmares. It was also believed that zircon gives honor, wisdom and prosperity to its owner.

Zircons are one of three birthstones for the month of December.

Yellow Sapphire

Just like diamonds, sapphires, too, can be found in about every colour you can think of including a wide variety of yellows.

However, since only the blue coloured sapphire can be called a sapphire, other coloured sapphires are called fancy sapphires. In Hindu astrology, yellow sapphire is one of the most powerful of all gemstones, linked with the planet Jupiter, the planet that brings wealth, luck, protection, prosperity and rulership.

Fancy yellow sapphires are as prestigious as the blue sapphires but considerably less pricy. Fancy yellow sapphires also have star sapphires which are very spiritual and lovely.

Sapphires have a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale and are very durable. It is the September birthstone. Its metaphysical properties include helping the wearer become more focused and determined.

Yellow chrysoberyl

Yellow chrysoberyl is a very rare mineral and despite its name it is not a beryl. Yellow chrysoberyl is classified as its own independent mineral group and species. The colour is caused by the presence of iron.

The name 'chrysoberyl' is derived from the Greek words 'chryso' and 'beryl', meaning Golden and Green. Yellow chrysoberyl comes with stunning yellow hues with great transparency and a lively sparkle.

In Asia, chrysoberyl is believed to offer protection against the 'evil eye'.

Yellow chrysoberyl is a gorgeous durable and multifaceted yellow gemstone which can be cut into every shape imaginable but usually to show off its sparkle, it is cut in step cuts. Yellow chrysoberyl occurs naturally and for the most part, not treated. It occurs with a bright luster.

Yellow chrysoberyl has a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale. Only ruby, sapphire and diamond are harder. Yellow chrysoberyl also has a high refractive index, just slightly lower than ruby and sapphire, so it has excellent brilliance.

Yellow chrysoberyl gemstone gives serenity and peace and self-confidence to the wearer.

Yellow Apatite

Apatite is a relatively soft stone. It has a hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale which means that it is too soft to be used as rings or bracelets unless the stone is put in a protective setting. Yellow apatite comes in a beautiful rich attractive bright yellow colour and can be found in large size carats.

The yellow version in particular is appreciated for its ability to boost focus and concentration levels. Yellow apatite also gives the wearer optimism and positive attitude.

Its gorgeous yellow colour can rival those of golden beryl, fancy yellow sapphire and even the yellow diamond.

Yellow Cat's Eye Apatite

Cat's Eye Apatite occurs in a strong yellow colour which perfectly captures the cat's eye effect on the stone.

It can be found in large carat sizes and is affordable. Since it has a hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale, it is great for pendants and brooches. If used in rings, it must come in a protective setting.

Yellow Cat's Eye Apatite is a stone of learning and inspiration.

Citrine and Lemon Quartz

Citrine and Lemon Quartz are two of the most popular choices of the quartz family of gemstones.

Two of the most common minerals on earth are Quartz and Feldspar. Quartz come in many forms such as Amethyst. Jasper, Aventurine, Citrine, and Lemon Quartz, etcetera.

Quartz such as citrine and lemon quartz are not only gorgeous, but also has a hardness on the Mohs scale of 7. Natural yellow quartz comes as citrine, whereas treated yellow quartz is usually sold as Lemon Quartz. Both come in huge sizes and can be fashioned in many cuts and shapes.

Yellow citrine has a gorgeous sparkling yellow colour. It is durable, spiritual and it has been used since thousands of years ago. It is also multifaceted.

Yellow quartz like citrine captures the rays of the sun. It is bright, bold yellow and available in large sizes.

It is ideal for any type of jewellery. It has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. Yellow coloured gemstones represent the sun and symbolized wisdom, warmth, creativity and happiness.

Yellow Citrine

Citrine is one of the most popular yellow gemstone in the world right now. Citrine, also known as 'the Merchant's Stone' comes in bright eye-catching yellow colour and in very large carat sizes with very affordable prices. It has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale which means that it is suitable for any type of jewellery.

It is the November birthstone and its spiritual healing properties is said to chase away the gloom, sadness and negativity in the wearer.

Star Lemon Quartz

Star lemon quartz is a treated lemon quartz that displays the star effect of 4 or 6 rays on the surface of the stone.

This quartz can be found in large carat sizes. It has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale and like all yellow gemstones, it gives off the energy of the sun, life, and rids of gloom in one's life.

Yellow Rutile Quartz

Rutile quartz is a transparent quartz with fibrous or hair-like inclusions of titanium dioxide and occurs in colours such as yellow, red or brown. These inclusions can be thin, thick, criss-crossed or parallel.

Angel Hair or Venus Hair are the hair-like inclusions of Rutile Quartz that are a yellow or fair colour that resemble the blonde hair of the goddess.

Rutile quartz gemstones can be found in very large sizes, usually found in odd shapes. It has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. Rutile Quartz is an energizing gemstone, giving you supply energy to finish your task.

Golden Beryl or Heliodor

Golden Beryl is related to emerald, aquamarine and morganite gemstones. Golden Beryl is the lesser known but is most gorgeous and affordable than emeralds or aquamarines. It has a highly polished luster with excellent clarity, beautiful sparkle, and is tough and durable. It comes with a hardness ranging from 7.5 - 8 on the Mohs scale that is perfect for all types of jewellery.

Golden beryl is the traditional birthstone of November. Yellow is the colour of the sun that boosts powerful energies and drives away gloom and gives determination.

Grossularite Garnet

Garnets come in a wide variety of colours including yellow. The most common type of yellow garnet is the grossularite garnet. Other garnet types that commonly occur in yellow are the Colour Change Garnet, Demantoid Garnet and Mali Garnet.

Garnet is a family to the famous green Tsavorite, the orange Hessonite and the red Pyrope. Grossularite garnet's colour can range from lemon yellow to greenish-yellow. Grossularite Garnet possesses all the spiritual powers that garnet is famous for as well as impressive fire, brilliance and clarity.

Yellow grossularite garnet comes naturally and is not treated, and can fashioned in any cut and shapes. However, they are found in smaller sizes.

Garnet has a hardness ranging from 6.5 - 7.5 on the Mohs scale and it is the birthstone of January. It boosts energy in the wearer, self confidence and bring business success.

Yellow Garnets have a relatively wide range on Mohs hardness scale, Grossularite Garnet are 7 to 7.5; whereas Demantoid garnets are 6.5 to 7 on the scale, Mali Garnets are 7, and Color-change Garnets hardness ranges from 6.5-7.5. All garnets are strong enough to be used in almost any styles of jewelley. (Note: though not a Garnet, another yellow colour-change gemstone is Diaspore/Zultanite].

Yellow Sillimanite

Also known as Fibrolite because it consists of compact fibrous material. Yellow sillimanite is beautiful and rare. It was relatively unknown until the 1990's. Sillimanite is not only rare, but also difficult for miners to identify, and not easy to cut.

It is transparent to opaque with a hardness ranging from 6-7.5 on the Mohs scale, with a perfect cleavage in one direction.

It has a vitreous, sub-adamantine, silky luster. It comes in different colors such as yellow, white, brown, blue, and green. The yellow gemstone is transparent.

Yellow Sillimanite gives personal power, self-esteem and confidence to the wearer.

Yellow Agate

Yellow Agate tends to be opaque and generally cut as a cabochon. It has been used as amulets for thousands of years. It has a hardness ranging from 6.5 - 7 on the Mohs scale, therefore it is ideal for rings in classic bezel settings, pendants, and lovely large size carat earrings.

It is a traditional secondary May birthstone

Yellow agate gemstones increase willpower, concentration, memory and logic. The colour yellow represents the sun, happiness and optimism.

Yellow Moonstone

Moonstones come in a variety of colours. The body color can range from colourless to gray, yellow, brown, green, or pink. The clarity ranges from transparent to translucent.

Peach or yellow moonstone supports the heart and stimulates the mind, giving a peaceful relaxing loving energy that rids worry or anxiety, and bringing out the best in people.

Yellow Tourmaline

Tourmaline comes in all imaginable colours including a bright yellow. Tourmalines are very durable and can be cut and polished in almost any shape and form and are suitable for all types of jewelry. They are not found in large sizes.

Yellow tourmaline has a hardness ranging from 7 - 7.5 on the Mohs scale. It is also the birthstone of October. Tourmaline encourages genius creativity in the wearer.

Yellow Sphene

Sphene is a very rare brilliant gemstone with a high luster known as "titanite" due to its titanium content. The name "sphene" comes from the Greek word, "sphen" meaning "wedge" which alludes to the formation of its crystals. Sphene gemstones display an intense fire and high luster, much stronger than that of the diamond.

Yellow sphene is not generally treated or enhanced, though the colour can be changed to red or orange by heating.

Sphene has a hardness ranging from 5 - 5.5 on the Mohs scale deeming it too soft for rings unless the rings comes with a protective bezel setting. Yellow Sphene has also a brittle tenacity. It is thus not recommended for jewellery that is likely to be exposed to knocks and scratches and general wear and tear. Yellow sphene is best used for jewellery such as earrings, pendants and brooches.

Cabochon sphenes come in large sizes with lovely inclusions.

Yellow sphene is a calming and soothing crystal that protects the wearer from negativity that surrounds him or her.

Yellow Calcite

Calcite has a hardness of 3 which is very soft to be used in jewellery except for pendants or earrings. It occurs as transparent or translucent gemstones with a bright beautiful yellow colour. It is a great stone for protection and can be used to ground one self.

Calcite is commonly believed to increase and amplify energy of healing, learning and awareness.

Yellow Cat's Eye Opal

Opals are known for their sparkling play-of-colours phenomenon like a rainbow of colours dancing before your eyes. However, opals too can be found single coloured such as bright orange or yellow coloured stones. Yellow cat's eye opals are not treated in any way,

A very rare form of opal can occur in bright or dull yellow without the play of colours. However, when cut en cabochon, it exhibits a bright white line across the surface as it exhibits chatoyance or cat's eye effect.

Yellow Cat Eye Opal has a hardness ranging from 5.5 - 6.5 on the Mohs scale. It is believed to ward off evil

Yellow cat's eye opals are a birthstone of October. It can also be used as a traditional gemstone gift for the 14th wedding anniversary.

Yellow Moss Opal

Like Cat's Eye Opal, Yellow Moss Opal also does not exhibit the flashy play-of-colour that opals usually display. It shows instead milky opaque inclusions resembling moss or leaves.

It has a hardness ranging from 5.5 - 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Opal is the birthstone of October.

Opal helps relieve depression and also help the wearer find love.

Yellow Color Change Diaspore

Yellow colour change diaspore changes colour from a gorgeous yellow during the day to a pinkish orange when put under incandescent light. It occurs with an excellent clarity. It is not treated, but unlike another colour change gemstone like Alexandrite, it can be found in large carat size and is affordable.

It has a hardness ranging from 6.5 - 7 on the Mohs scale. Diaspore is known to help with age-related memory problems.

Yellow Pearls

Pearls are organic gemstone like coral and amber, meaning it has a biological origin. Pearls have been used by humans beings since at least 5000 before our common era.

Pearls are formed by the nacre secreted by various shelled mollusks. Natural pearls are extremely rare and thus most of the pearls on the gemstone market are cultured.

Pearls are quite soft having a softness ranging from 2.5 - 4.5 on the Mohs scale. This means that pearls are suitable for pendants and earrings only.

They are the birthstone of June. They represent purity, integrity and loyalty.

Topaz, too, offers two yellow gems in the form of Precious Topaz and Imperial Topaz. Sphalerite also come in yellow colour, fire and brilliance.