COMPARE GUIDE
CitrineVSNatural Yellow Sapphire
Side-by-side comparison of physical properties, fluorescence, and crystal system — to identify by observation.
- ◎ is higher in Natural Yellow Sapphire, giving a numerical distinguishing point.
- ◎ is higher in Natural Yellow Sapphire, giving a numerical distinguishing point.
- ◎ is higher in Natural Yellow Sapphire, giving a numerical distinguishing point.
- ◎ is higher in Citrine, giving a numerical distinguishing point.
Note: properties whose numeric ranges do not overlap are auto-extracted. Both are measurable with a refractometer or heavy-liquid bath.
| Property | A: Citrine | B: Natural Yellow Sapphire | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refractive index (RI) | 1.544–1.553 | 1.762–1.770 | B higher |
| Specific gravity (SG) | 2.64–2.66 | 3.95–4.03 | B higher |
| Mohs hardness | 7.0 | 9.0 | B higher |
| Birefringence | 0.009 | 0.008 | A higher |
| Dispersion | — | — | — |
| Property | A: Citrine | B: Natural Yellow Sapphire |
|---|---|---|
| Crystal system | 三方晶系 | 六方晶系（三方晶系） |
| Pleochroism | 弱 | 弱〜中（黄・淡黄） |
| Chelsea filter | inert | inert |
| UV (long-wave) | inert | weak (orange / yellow) |
| UV (short-wave) | inert | weak (yellow) |
◆Yellow sapphire is Mohs 9 with SG ~4.0; citrine is Mohs 7 with SG ~2.65. A loose stone of the same size feels distinctly lighter as citrine, and sapphire's adamantine luster reads as sharper at the edges.
Distinguishing tools
Tools that decide between Citrine and Natural Yellow Sapphire in practice.
Note: this page is auto-generated from published GIA / CGL reference values. Individual stones, treatments, and synthetics may fall outside these ranges. For a definitive identification, consult an accredited gem laboratory.