Quick answer: Original yellow sapphire (Pukhraj) is corundum: hardness 9, so it scratches glass and quartz; it feels heavy for its size and shows silk-like needle inclusions under a loupe. Glass and citrine fakes are lighter, softer and either bubble-filled or too clean — a lab report confirming corundum is the final check.
Identify Original Yellow Sapphire — the practical guide from GemStore.pk, written for buyers in Pakistan who want to be sure before they pay.
Yellow Sapphire (Pukhraj) is one of the most valuable — and most substituted — astrological stones. Here is how to check that yours is a genuine, natural sapphire.
| Check | Original yellow sapphire (Pukhraj) | Citrine / topaz / glass |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral | Corundum, Mohs 9 | Quartz 7, topaz 8, glass 5–6 |
| Scratch test | Scratches quartz and glass | Cannot scratch a quartz crystal |
| Lustre | Bright, glassy to sub-adamantine | Softer, glassier shine |
| Inclusions | Silk needles, fingerprints | Bubbles (glass) or none |
| Weight for its size | Heavy (SG 4.0) | Lighter (SG 2.65 quartz) |
| Typical price | PKR 5,000 – 30,000+ per carat | PKR 500 – 2,000 per carat |
What an Original Pukhraj Looks Like
A natural Yellow Sapphire is a variety of corundum with a hardness of 9. It shows a clear, even yellow-to-golden colour, high transparency and a bright, glassy lustre.
4 Checks Before You Buy
- Colour: an even, natural yellow — not a dull or overly "perfect" tone.
- Clarity: good transparency with, at most, fine natural inclusions — never gas bubbles.
- Hardness: at 9 Mohs it resists scratches that would mark softer stones like citrine or glass.
- Certificate: the only certain proof is a gem-lab report, which we support on every stone.
Pukhraj vs Citrine — Don't Confuse Them
Citrine is a cheaper yellow quartz often sold as a Pukhraj substitute. It is softer (7 vs 9) and far less valuable. If you want the astrological benefits of Jupiter, buy a real sapphire — see Yellow Sapphire vs Citrine.
Buy Certified Pukhraj
Every Yellow Sapphire (Pukhraj) at GemStore.pk is 100% natural, hand-inspected and lab-verifiable, with nationwide cash on delivery.
Yellow Sapphire at a glance
- Also called: Pukhraj — corundum (aluminium oxide)
- Colour: pale lemon to rich golden yellow
- Hardness: 9 on the Mohs scale
- Main sources: Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Thailand, Madagascar and Tanzania
- Astrology: ruled by Jupiter (Brihaspati); traditionally for Sagittarius and Pisces
Buying Yellow Sapphire in Pakistan: a quick checklist
- Ask for the exact carat weight and origin — the identify original yellow sapphire question always comes back to what you are actually getting.
- Check what drives the price: colour (a clean, even golden yellow is most valued), clarity, carat weight, origin and whether the stone is unheated.
- Insist on lab verification. A genuine seller lets you test the stone; at GemStore.pk every stone is natural and lab-verifiable.
- Use cash on delivery so you inspect the stone before paying.
- Know the care rules: Very durable; clean with warm soapy water. Store away from harder stones such as diamond to avoid scratches on the polish.
Identify Original Yellow Sapphire: key takeaways
- The short answer on identify original yellow sapphire: look at colour, clarity, weight and treatment together — no single test is enough.
- Buy only stones sold with their exact carat weight, origin and treatment stated, and insist on lab verification.
- Pay on delivery, inspect the stone in daylight, and use the 7-day return window if anything does not match the listing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I check identify original yellow sapphire at home?
Partly. The visual and hardness checks in this guide catch most fakes, but only a gemmological lab can confirm a natural, untreated stone. Buy from a seller who welcomes testing.
Where can I buy original gemstones in Pakistan?
GemStore.pk sells 100% original, lab-verifiable gemstones with nationwide cash on delivery and a 7-day return policy — start with our Yellow Sapphire (Pukhraj) collection.
Should I consult an astrologer before wearing a stone?
Yes, if you are wearing it for astrological reasons. Our gemstones by zodiac sign guide gives the traditional pairings as a starting point.
How long does delivery take?
Major cities (Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, Peshawar) usually receive parcels in 1–3 working days; other towns in 3–5. You pay the courier on delivery after checking the box, and every parcel is tracked on WhatsApp.
How GemStore.pk can help
Not sure what you are looking at? Send a daylight photo of the stone — or of a listing you found elsewhere — on WhatsApp and we will tell you honestly what it looks like and what a fair price would be. If you decide to buy from us, every piece is sold with its exact carat weight, is lab-verifiable, and can be inspected before you pay. If not, you still leave with a straight answer.
Related guides
- How to Identify Original Ruby (Yaqoot): 5 Simple Checks
- Yellow Sapphire Benefits (Pukhraj) & Who Should Wear It
- Real vs Fake Feroza (Turquoise): How to Tell
- Gemstone Buying Guide Pakistan: Prices, Certification & Tips
Explore more about Identify Original Yellow Sapphire: see all Yellow Sapphire (Pukhraj), read Yellow Sapphire Benefits (Pukhraj) & Who Should Wear It, read How to Identify Original Yellow Sapphire (Pukhraj), check the gemstone price guide for Pakistan, find your stone by zodiac sign.
