COMPARE GUIDE
Natural Yellow SapphireVSYellow Topaz
Side-by-side comparison of physical properties, fluorescence, and crystal system — to identify by observation.
Decisive distinctionsDECISIVE
- ◎ 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 Yellow Topaz, 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.
Physical propertiesPROPERTIES
| Property | A: Natural Yellow Sapphire | B: Yellow Topaz | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refractive index (RI) | 1.762–1.770 | 1.629–1.638 | A higher |
| Specific gravity (SG) | 3.95–4.03 | 3.50–3.57 | A higher |
| Mohs hardness | 9.0 | 8.0 | A higher |
| Birefringence | 0.008 | 0.010 | B higher |
| Dispersion | — | — | — |
Optics & fluorescenceOPTICS & UV
| Property | A: Natural Yellow Sapphire | B: Yellow Topaz |
|---|---|---|
| Crystal system | 六方晶系（三方晶系） | 斜方晶系 |
| Pleochroism | 弱〜中（黄・淡黄） | 中（黄・無色） |
| Chelsea filter | inert | inert |
| UV (long-wave) | weak (orange / yellow) | weak (yellow / orange) |
| UV (short-wave) | weak (yellow) | inert |
ObservationOBSERVATION
◆Topaz has SG 3.5 and perfect basal ; sapphire has SG 4.0 and no . Hand-weight comparison and a check separate them quickly.
Color categoriesCATEGORIES
A: Natural Yellow Sapphire
Yellow / orange
B: Yellow Topaz
Yellow / orange
DISTINGUISHING TOOLS · 3 ITEMS
Distinguishing tools
Tools that decide between Natural Yellow Sapphire and Yellow Topaz 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.