yellow diamond
Only one in a hundred thousand diamonds mined in the world has a yellow tint: the stone can range from very pale yellow to bright lemon color and from almost tangerine to cognac golden color. This color is given to the mineral by an admixture of lithium, and the more intense the shade, the higher the price of the crystal.
One of the first known yellow diamonds is Sancy. In 1570 he made Nicolas de Sancy, its owner, incredibly rich. Colored diamonds are very expensive. In 1997, an orange diamond weighing 13.83 carats was auctioned for a fabulous sum of 3.3 million.
But one of the world's largest yellow diamonds, Golden Empress, weighing 132 carats, belongs to the luxurious Graff Diamonds stone collection. Their yellow record holder, Graff Vivid Yellow, was sold in 2014 for $16.3 million.
It is worth noting that yellow diamonds are far from the rarest. Representatives of the red color are much more expensive, but they are also one in millions. And the main deposit of unique red diamonds - Arail - is about to dry up.
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Yellow gemstones for collecting
Some gemstones are dangerous choices for jewelry. Yellow gemstones that are too soft, water soluble or brittle are best for collection.
Sphene
With a dispersion higher than diamond, sphene is a favorite among collectors. It can come in a variety of colors, including yellow, but often has color zones. Due to its low hardness and cleavage planes, sphene that can be worn in jewelry will likely not last long. However, this light yellow-hued stone is great for displaying “fire” and will look very impressive in a gemstone collection.
Large faceted sphene weighing 4.77 carats. © Earth's Treasury
Sphalerite
This bicolor sphalerite has both yellow and orange hues. © D&J Rare Gems, Ltd
Sphalerite has three times the dispersion of diamond. This is another hot favorite for gemstone collections. Sphalerite is both brittle and soft, but the faceted specimens are a magnificent sight to behold. These minerals can be very large in size. The material from Mexico, which often has yellow hues, weighs more than 50 carats when cut.
Legrandite
If you're looking for something different to add to your gemstone collection, consider bright yellow legrandite. This rare mineral varies from translucent to opaque in large sizes. Faceted samples are rare and, at a hardness of 4.5, are subject to wear. However, its signature bright yellow color will stand out in any gemstone collection.
A sample of a bright yellow legrandite crystal. © Géry Parent
Yellow sapphire
Sapphires (a type of corundum) can come in a variety of incredible colors, although, of course, this gemstone is primarily known for its rich blue. Yellow sapphire is a rarer example of the mineral.
The shade can vary from lemon to amber; the color of the gem is often heterogeneous, with tints and stripes of a darker shade.
Sapphires with a pure yellow tint without inclusions are especially valued. Some specimens are so faintly colored that they can be classified as colorless. The average size of mined minerals does not exceed 8-10 carats. The deposits are located in Burma, Sri Lanka, Madagascar and Afghanistan.
By the way, yellow sapphires, like other stones of a sunny shade, are perfectly combined in jewelry with yellow gold. You can learn about which metals different jewelry stones are friendly with in this article.
Yellow stones
yellow diamond
This is a yellowish diamond, which is a representative of the fancy group. Its deposits are located in the bowels of the earth in layers with very high temperatures. Yellow diamonds contain large amounts of nitrogen. After cutting, a rough diamond turns into a luxurious diamond.
This natural stone is mined in Angola, Australia, Brazil, Namibia, Borneo, Central Africa, Tanzania and Russia.
The word "diamond" comes from the Greek word for "steadfast" or "invincible."
This speaks of its unique strength. No stone can scratch or damage a diamond.
Some diamonds have a rich history:
- Tiffany is the largest diamond weighing 287.42 carats. After processing by a jeweler from Germany, it was inserted into a jewelry brooch, which took two years to create.
- The Allnatt, a beautiful bright yellow diamond cut into the shape of a flower with platinum stems, petals and leaves, found its buyer at Christie's auction for more than $3 million.
- Sancy is an amazingly beautiful light yellow diamond that resembles a droplet and shimmers with pinkish hues. It was found in India in 1570, and currently adorns the collection of the Louvre.
- The Florentine is a lemon-colored diamond. It is also called the "Australian Yellow Diamond". The weight of the stone is 137.27 carats. His whereabouts are unknown.
Yellow sapphire
A variety of corundum. Its name comes from the Babylonian concept “sipru” - scratching. This suggests that sapphire is very durable and is not afraid of external influences. Such minerals usually have bluish tints. The yellow color is quite rare, for which it is valued by jewelers. Sapphire is slightly inferior in hardness to diamond.
The main deposits of yellow corundum are located in Sri Lanka.
Legends say that yellow sapphire is able to attract wealth and prosperity. If a girl wears a gem on her hand, then she will soon get married. Yellow sapphire is recommended to be worn by politicians, businessmen, and administrative workers. It helps you overcome difficulties, achieve your goals, climb the career ladder, and maintain wealth.
The healing properties of this mineral are also known among people. According to popular belief, it frees the body of unnecessary toxins, has a beneficial effect on the lymphatic system, and prevents diseases of the liver, intestines, gall bladder and spleen. In order for a yellow sapphire to show its extraordinary abilities, the setting for the stone must be gold. It matters which finger you wear it on. You need to put jewelry on the index finger of your right hand. Do not wear a cracked or chipped item. This is a bad omen, and expect trouble or trouble.
Yellow topaz
This is a precious stone, transparent, with a golden tint. There are several varieties of the gem:
- topaz - imperial (has an orange-brown or yellow-orange tone);
- topaz – nitrogen (orange-yellow color, shimmers beautifully);
- mystic – topaz (presence of rainbow iridescence).
This is a fairly expensive mineral and is very popular among women. It is mined in the USA, Burma, Brazil and Mexico.
This natural gem is full of mysteries and secrets. Even in ancient times, his healing abilities were known. Aesculapians used it to cure kidney and liver diseases, relieve any pain and excess weight. Its positive effect on the body's readings is known. Its unique effect on the female body is noted. It strengthens the immune system, protects against viral diseases, and helps to conceive a healthy baby.
Yellow topaz also has magical properties. Thanks to it, a person can quickly concentrate and switch to other things. This natural stone can endow people with prudence, wisdom, enlightenment, and give impetus to spiritual development and improvement. According to popular belief, this stone is a symbol of love, fidelity and devotion. It has no equal in amorous matters, so it is recommended to be worn by both spouses to avoid betrayal. It is also a talisman against evil spirits, the evil eye and damage, and energy vampires. The aura of the stone is so strong that it can save a person from imminent death and prevent a catastrophe. And it doesn’t matter what shape it’s cut into. This does not make his magical qualities any less.
Yellow tourmaline
This is a fairly rare gemstone that can be found in nature. Its main feature is the presence of potassium and magnesium in its composition. There are special types of this crystal - canari, with a place of extraction in Malawia. The yellow type of stone is rare, so it is not in great demand among jewelers and in various industries. The uniqueness of yellow tourmaline pushes craftsmen to create fakes, which are quite difficult to distinguish from the originals.
Tourmaline is classified as durable and can rarely be scratched. It is of volcanic origin. Where is it mined? The deposits are mainly located in Tanzania and Sri Lanka. It is known in the USA, Brazil and Canada. The mineral is found in small quantities in Russia.
Its areas of application are varied. Crystals weighing 2 or more carats with uniform color and clarity are used to create all kinds of jewelry. The largest copies go to enterprises that produce radio equipment. They have found their application in robotics, electronics, optics and many other fields. Medicine also actively uses them.
Natural yellow tourmaline crystals are used to make mattresses, knee pads, socks and other products. But its main purpose in the field of medicine is to improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, liver, pancreas, and gall bladder. This mineral can even cure oncology. It is shown to all categories of citizens. The only restriction is women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Yellow zircon
Natural zircon is a transparent mineral with a strong shine and a yellow tint. It is very popular among jewelers. Its name comes from the Persian "golden". During the heating process, it is able to change its shade. Rich deposits are in Madagascar, Norway, Thailand, Brazil, and Russia. The fragility of the stone is significant, so it can rarely be seen as inserts in pendants, rings and earrings.
Due to the unusual shape of the crystals, zircon is credited with special magical properties. Legends say that the stone is capable of developing supernatural abilities in a person and revealing the gift of a seer. Products made from zircon will help its owner free himself from depression, become balanced, calm, and overcome life’s difficulties.
As for medicine, it affects the functioning of the liver, can improve appetite, reduce gastric secretion, eliminate constipation, cleanse the body, and relieve insomnia.
Yellow zircon is recommended for Sagittarius.
Heliodor (yellow beryl)
This is a mineral that has high transparency and a pleasant warm tint. Its name is translated from Greek as “gift of the sun.” The cost of stones with an amber or yellow tint is quite impressive. Heliodor is similar in appearance to quartz, topaz and citrine. Its deposits are located in India, Ukraine, Brazil and Russia.
The magic of “The Gift of the Sun” is difficult to overestimate. The owner is guaranteed peace of mind and good mood. This stone is a symbol of joy and fun. It is worn in noisy companies, on holidays and entertainment events. This gem gives people joy and happiness. It will not let you get bored, relieve stiffness and complexes, help you relax and have a great evening. Thanks to heliodor, a person will not have nightmares. To do this, you just need to put it under your pillow and you will have a good, wonderful dream, and waking up will be easy and pleasant. Why do you dream about heliodor? To close fun and good company of friends.
It also has unique healing properties: it stabilizes the heart and increases blood pressure, so hypertensive patients should not wear it.
Jewelers are simply crazy about this stone. Works of art are created from it. What kind of jewelry is made from heliodor? The most varied. They decorate earrings, pendants, bracelets, rings, and necklaces. It can always be seen in famous brands. Fashionistas wear it to match their eye color and decorate a variety of outfits with it. But it is not recommended to constantly wear it as a talisman, since life does not consist of only entertainment, and it is not worth being known as a reckless person. Heliodor is compatible with such zodiac signs as Pisces and Leo. The setting for the stone is of great importance. Heliodor in a gold frame is suitable for Leo, and for Pisces in a silver frame.
Yellow apatite
This is one of the varieties of apatite. This mineral has a glassy luster; the presence of impurities makes it transparent or opaque. The literal translation of the name is “hoax” because it is very similar to other minerals. Yellow stones with a diamond shine are an excellent material for jewelry.
It is assumed that such apatite can cure toothache, restore cartilage tissue, and help cure rickets, arthritis and other joint problems. Thanks to it, human health improves, metabolism accelerates, hunger is satisfied, blood pressure is reduced, headaches are calmed, and vision is stimulated.
As for the psychological aspect, yellow apatite can feed its owner with energy, help him cope with alienation, and navigate in an unfamiliar environment.
Yellow agate
It belongs to the category of ornamental stones. There are quite a lot of deposits of this mineral in the world. The presence of natural inclusions (iron oxides) gives the stone a yellowish color.
What does he look like? This gem is capable of shimmering in a variety of shades. His calm tone and pallor are calming and at the same time charming. Natural agate does not perceive body temperature, it is never one color (there are always inclusions and stripes), and if you put it in water, the shine will remain. These qualities distinguish it from fakes. If you purchased jewelry with agate, then you need to think about storing it. The products are placed in a separate box with a soft base. Try to protect it from the sun and dust. You can use a damp cloth and soap solution. After getting rid of dirt, wipe dry with a clean cloth.
The healing features of yellow agate are that it is able to help pregnant women give birth easily, reduces fever during infectious diseases, helps the gastrointestinal tract, relieves intoxication, protects against infections, and helps with seizures. Beads made of yellow agate will relieve pain and inflammation of the throat, earrings will prevent toothache, bracelets on the hands will remove pain in the joints, rings will help cope with pain in the heart, remove nightmares and fears.
This stone has extraordinary magical abilities. It is able to protect the owner from the influence of negative energy, help avoid chronic diseases, prevent the evil eye and damage. Who can benefit from jewelry with this mineral? Cancer, Taurus, Gemini and Libra.
Sphalerite
When describing it, the name “zinc blende” is often used. It has a honey tint. Places of its production: North Caucasus, Kazakhstan, Czech Republic, Urals, Primorye, Mexico and Spain.
Thanks to sphalerite, the course of colds is alleviated, nervous tension is relieved, and sleep improves. Jewelry with sphalerite inserts can improve vision and cleanse the body of toxins. It is suitable for those who are unable to cope with aggression and uncontrollable anger on their own. This mineral is able to neutralize the effects of evil spells. The sphalerite talisman will help its wearer become a leader, self-confident, attract good luck, and help get rich.
Amber
This hardened resin is distributed throughout the globe. Mainly yellow in color, high transparency, low shine. Widely used in jewelry. Its element is Fire, it is compatible with almost all precious stones, the most common jewelry being beads. This is the only gem that has never been used by black magicians, since its purpose is to bring joy and light. The method of finishing amber is grinding and polishing.
Many women wonder: how to wear this stone? It doesn't matter which finger you put the ring on. Because of this, its healing and magical properties will not lose their power. What is this gem capable of? It can awaken the energy potential in its bearer, encourage him to make new discoveries and undertakings, enhance imagination, ensure peace and tranquility in the home, well-being and prosperity in the family, and prevent emergencies in the form of fire and flood, lightning strikes. Who is this stone not suitable for? Only Pisces. All other zodiac signs can safely use its unique properties.
Nephritis
This mineral is yellow in color and is not often found. Its opaque crystals are used to create jewelry at an affordable price. Beads are made in various shapes. It is rarely given a cabochon shape and is used as inserts in pendants, earrings and rings.
In the old days it was called kidney stone because it could cure kidney clicks. Like most other minerals, it has certain healing and magical properties. It saved from all ailments, aesculapians made all kinds of medicines from it, it was used as a liquid and powder. Pregnant women kept it in the abdominal area for a quick and painless birth. The body and face were massaged with pieces of jade. It was applied to sore spots, relieving pain and tissue inflammation.
Jade crystals were identified with Heaven, Earth, Wisdom and Eternity. It was used in sacrificial rituals. It was used to decorate items of clothing and weapons. This mineral brings good luck to people born under the signs of Libra and Virgo. He gives them family well-being. Jade figurines helped to gain courage and confidence in victory.
Jasper
A fairly common mineral that has been known since time immemorial. It combines several colors at once, creating amazing patterns, which is why it is actively used by jewelry craftsmen to create inexpensive products. Jasper inserts can be seen on pendants, earrings, rings, and bracelets.
The healing and magical properties of jasper are surprising. It can rejuvenate the body's cells, make the skin young and elastic, clean blood vessels, strengthen the heart, improve vision, eliminate headaches, and protect against viruses. Since ancient times, jasper was considered a magical stone. She protected homes from thieves, warded off the evil eye, evil thoughts, ill-wishers and envious people.
The choice of yellow stones is wide; you can choose yours based on the properties of the minerals and their meaning.
Yellow topaz
Being a relatively inexpensive stone, topaz is mined in many countries and is widely used in jewelry. Externally, its yellow variety is very reminiscent of citrine or smoky quartz. The yellow tint for this semi-precious stone is the most natural; green, red, blue or purple topazes are much less common.
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To change color, topaz is subjected to heat treatment. So, from yellow you can get a pink or green gem. Mining is carried out in Mexico, Brazil, Burma, and the USA.
Yellow tourmaline
As with other stones, in tourmaline the color is determined by impurities. The most commonly mined are pink and crimson tourmaline, as well as red varieties. The rarest are blue and yellow minerals.
Depending on the shade and transparency, crystals are classified as semi-precious or ornamental stones. Of particular value are polychrome samples - they can simultaneously contain yellow, crimson, green tints - the so-called watermelon tourmaline.
Yellow tourmaline is called dravite. The shade can vary from light yellow to brownish. There are a great many varieties of tourmaline: in addition to the main yellow tint, the crystal can exhibit an alexandrite effect or a “cat’s eye” effect.
Precious minerals
The following yellow precious minerals can be distinguished:
Diamond
One of the rare gems of the world. Among the diamonds mined, only every hundred thousandth specimen is yellow in color. It is a clear crystal; shades of diamonds are light yellowish, bright lemon and golden, there are even tangerine shades. The gem is very expensive, for example, a 13.4-carat specimen was sold at auction for 3 million (in 1997).
Sapphire
The classic color of the stone is blue; yellow crystals are rare, with shades ranging from light to golden amber. There are specimens with such a pale color that they are classified as colorless. The minerals are unevenly colored; stripes and inclusions are usually darker than the main tone. Stones of pure color are rare, so they are expensive. The places where sapphires are mined are the islands of Madagascar and Ceylon, as well as Burma.
Topaz
This is a transparent crystal with a natural yellow color. There are polychrome samples containing brownish or greenish tints, but this is rare. The color of the crystals may change from yellow to pink (during heat treatment). This procedure is carried out in laboratory conditions. Topaz fades when exposed to direct sunlight, so items lose color over time.
Tourmaline
The standard color of the mineral is crimson; precious yellow stones are rare (they are called drayites). The shade is often uneven, with blue, pink or brown inclusions. Depending on the color saturation, transparency and frequency of inclusions, tourmaline is also classified as semi-precious or ornamental minerals. Currently, production is carried out only in Kenya.
Citrine
The stone is a type of quartz and has a bright golden color. It has high hardness and is very easy to process and cut. The yellow color of citrine is given by an admixture of iron; the color of the crystals can vary from light lemon to deep orange. Dark orange specimens are called "Madera". Yellow quartz is less common than clear quartz and is therefore more valuable.
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Citrines are found in many countries, for example, it is mined in the north of Russia, America, and France. But the largest production is carried out in Brazil. Find out what other unusual and rare gems are found in this country in our article about local gems.
In addition to the natural method, a yellow tint can be given to the stone by heat treatment. Amethyst and rauchtopaz become golden or brown when exposed to high temperatures.
Yellow zircon
Natural zircon is an absolutely transparent crystal with a strong diamond luster, also called “jargon” or “yargon”. There are stones painted in yellowish or reddish shades. Thanks to heat treatment, minerals of a rich turquoise hue (starlite), green, and deep red (hyacinth) are obtained from yellow zircons.
Mining is carried out in Thailand, Norway, Canada, Madagascar. In Russia, zircon was found in the Urals and Yakutia. The stone is quite fragile and is not very often used as inserts in rings, earrings and pendants. But due to the similarity of English names, zircon is confused with cubic zirconia (zircon and cubic zirconia).
Heliodor (yellow beryl)
Heliodor, a type of beryl, has pleasant warm yellow shades and high transparency. Translated from Greek, heliodor means “gift of the sun.” The honey color of the crystal is given by an admixture of iron. The most valuable stones are those with a rich yellow or amber tint; grayish, white or too pale samples are less valuable.
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By the way, yellow heliodor has a green “sibling” - precious emerald: they are both beryl.
The heliodor gemstone visually resembles citrine, topaz or quartz. It is mined in Brazil, India, Russia, Ukraine. After heat treatment, yellow beryls acquire bluish tints or become completely transparent.
Heliodor, which has a natural golden hue, is often used in jewelry. Stones of inexpressive colors, too pale or with a grayish tint are subject to processing.
Assessing the color and quality of yellow gemstones
Gemologists evaluate color based on hue, hue, and saturation. For yellow gemstones, the main shade should be yellow. The most valuable stones have a pure yellow hue, but minor shades may also be present. For these minerals, the secondary hues are green, orange and brown. Green secondary shades are generally undesirable. However, if they are minor, they can give the stone a "neon" color. Secondary orange tones are preferred. For example, popular “gold” colors have light orange tints. Brown colored stones are the perfect choice for a fall jewelry project.
Bright canary yellow chrysoberyl is at the center of a diamond and demantoid star. © Erica Courtney
Unlike most colors, yellow shades reach their limit in relatively light tones. This means that a deep yellow color will have a tint of about 20-30%. However, very light yellow tones can appear almost white, which is not desirable for a gemstone.
The princess cut yellow sapphire has a very rich color. © CustomMade
Because yellow gemstones are lighter in tone than other colored stones, imperfections will be more noticeable. This means that a higher degree of purity is important for yellow gemstones compared to other colored minerals. Large or dark inclusions are especially undesirable, as they significantly detract from the appearance of the gemstone.
Yellow apatite
Apatite, a phosphate mineral, also comes in a variety of colors: purple, blue, green, yellow. Yellow apatites have a glassy luster and can be completely transparent or, on the contrary, completely opaque, depending on the impurities. In jewelry, yellow or blue stones that have a pure diamond luster are most often used.
Mining is carried out in Burma, Canada, Italy, and Sri Lanka. The average weight of a crystal is up to 5 carats, less often - 15-20 carats.
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Yellow agate
Agate ornamental stone is widespread in the world. The structure of the stone is layered, the color is uneven, with numerous inclusions. Often the stone is grown artificially for the jewelry industry. The yellow color of the mineral is given by inclusions of iron oxides.
Ornamental agate is a hard mineral with a glassy luster after polishing. Has high resistance to acids. The yellow shade can be very varied - from very light to brownish brown.
Decorative stones
Jewelry with inserts of decorative stones are no less popular due to their availability to a wide range of buyers. In yellow shades the following are more common:
1. Amber is a fossilized resin that has found use all over the world. Thanks to its rich sunny shade and muted shine, it is used to create jewelry, accessories, cufflinks, etc. Plus it has healing properties: increases immunity, reduces blood pressure.
2. Jade is an opaque stone with a yellow tint, which combines well with malachite and agate. Used to create pendants and short beads.
3. Agate is an ornamental stone that has a layered structure and uneven color from lemon brown to pale yellow. Goes well with jade and silver. Used to create jewelry: earrings, pendants, beads.
Yellow is the color of positivity, sun, warmth. The shade also represents wealth and prosperity, movement, and activity. Jewelry with yellow stones is perfect as a gift for loved ones and your beloved. They will add joy to the image and make a pleasant accent.
Sphalerite
A mineral from the class of sulfides, it is also called zinc blende: “honey” with a lemon color and “ruby” with an orange-red tint of the mineral. A very fragile stone, it is practically not used in the jewelry industry due to the complexity of cutting. Some examples are found in private jewelry collections. Rare stones suitable for processing and subsequent insertion into jewelry are mined in Spain and Mexico.
