List of Yellow Rocks and Minerals

Yellow rocks and minerals have always brought optimism and joy to my collection. Due to the never-ending shades of yellow and various crystal structures, yellow gemstones have become a staple gemstone in my collection.

If you’re new to the exciting hobby of rockhounding then you’ll want to educate yourself on yellow minerals because there are so many fascinating crystals just waiting to be discovered. A great tool to use as you learn is my “how to identify series.” This series provides helpful information about the physical characteristics of rocks and minerals and how to identify them. With this series, you’ll be able to recognize the different specimens you find, whether it’s a hunk of quartz, a sparkling mica, or any other exciting crystal.

Another resource to consider is your local rock and mineral shows. These events usually offer an excellent opportunity to learn more about the exciting world of rockhounding. You can often find knowledgeable exhibitors to help you find the perfect specimen for your collection. You may even come home with exciting stories to share with friends and family!

To identify your local rock and mineral club, I recommend using the “explore by state” page to locate your state and club.

 

Names of Yellow Minerals and Crystals

Yellow rocks and minerals have a special place in my collection and I don’t really know why but I’m drawn to unique crystals displaying an intense yellow. If you’re walking around the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show and see a bald guy gawking at a twin chrysoberyl crystal then it’s probably me.

Here is my favorite list of yellow rocks, subject to change, of course.

 

 

Chrysoberyl

Chrysoberyl is a not-so-common yellow gemstone that has a unique yellow-green color. The cool thing about chrysoberyl is the variety of forms you’ll be able to find it in. For example, if you’re at a large gem and mineral show then you’ll see a twinned crystal being sold as a specimen, walk a few booths down and you’ll have a gem dealer selling faceting rough, and if you keep walking you’ll run into a cat’s eye chrysoberyl for sale.

While you’re looking to add this gem to your collection don’t confuse it with other yellow stones, such as citrine or topaz, due to its bright hue.

 

Properties:

• Mohs hardness: 8.5
• Specific gravity: 3.7- 3.8
• Vitreous luster

 

Uses:

• Sought after by collectors

 

 

Heliodor

Heliodor is a golden yellow gemstone that is a type of beryl. It can be found in Brazil, Madagascar, and Eastern Europe with some of the best crystals coming from Ukraine. My all-time favorite is a heliodor crystal with natural etching on the sides and a yellow-to-yellow-green color. You can take these into the sunlight and get lost in the patterns and reflections given off by the sunlight.

If you don’t have a naturally etched heliodor crystal in your collection then you should think about sourcing one.

 

Properties:

• Mohs hardness: 7.5 – 8
• Specific gravity: 2.6 – 2.8
• Vitreous luster

 

Uses:

• Jewelry
• Sought after by crystal collectors

 

 

Fancy Yellow Diamond

Fancy yellow diamonds are some of the rarest and most sought-after gems worldwide. These diamonds are highly valued for their brilliance and rarity, making them a luxurious and beautiful choice for jewelry. They are often cut into brilliant or cushion cuts to maximize the intensity of their color.

Fancy yellow diamonds are an investment potential as they tend to appreciate in value over time. You can find these diamonds in light to dark yellow shades, including light lemon yellow, intense yellow, deep canary yellow, and vivid yellow.

 

Properties:

• Mohs hardness: 10
• Refractive index: 2.417 – 2.419

 

Uses:

• A popular choice for engagement rings
• Famous for use in watches, cufflinks, and other accessories.

 

 

Yellow Sapphire

Yellow sapphire is a beautiful gemstone known for its sunny yellow hue and mesmerizing brilliance. It’s the saturation of the stone that makes it one of my favorites. For some reason, yellow sapphires have a tendency to glow and are easily picked out when compared to other yellow gemstones.

These sapphires can range in color from light yellow to deep yellow with the most prized sapphires having a vibrant, vivid hue and excellent clarity.

Fancy yellow sapphire is one of the most popular sapphires and can be found in many locations worldwide, including Tanzania, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

 

 

Properties:

• Mohs hardness 9.0
• Specific gravity: 1.56 – 1.59
• Refractive index: 1.78

 

Uses:

• Jewelry

 

 

Gold

Gold is a precious yellow metal and one of the most sought-after minerals in the world and that is why it makes the list. Who doesn’t like a large gold nugget?

The best part of collecting gold nuggets is the heft of the stone and the unique forms. If you’re anything like me then you’ll be sitting around wondering how the nugget was formed and the journey it took from formation to the palm of your hand. Kind of crazy when you think about it.

It is believed that humans first discovered gold in ancient Egypt, which has been used to create beautiful items for centuries. Gold is an excellent choice for those looking for a unique and beautiful addition to their collection of yellow rocks.

 

Properties:

• Mohs hardness: 2.5 – 3
• Refractive index: 2.4
• Specific gravity: 19.3

 

Uses:

• Jewelry making
• Rare coins

 

Common and Rare Yellow Rocks and Minerals

Yellow rocks and minerals are a great way to add color to your collection. Whether you’re looking for a bright, sunny addition to your collection or a natural accent for your home, there’s a yellow gemstone to suit your needs.

With such wide varieties available, it’s easy to find the perfect piece for your next project. From the bright and cheerful heliodor to the brilliant yellow sapphire, yellow crystals provide a unique and captivating experience. These minerals are sure to bring beauty and joy to your life.