Comparison · Minerals vs Quartz Family
Ametrine vs Citrine
Ametrine and Citrine are easy to confuse. Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Ametrine and Citrine
- Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Ametrine is Transparent, Citrine is transparent.
- They overlap in yellow, but Ametrine also comes in purple and Citrine also comes in orange and brown.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Ametrine is Trigonal, Citrine is hexagonal.
Ametrine vs Citrine properties
| Property | Ametrine | Citrine |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Quartz Family |
| Mohs hardness | 7 | 7 |
| Luster | Vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | Transparent | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 2.65 | 2.65 |
| Crystal system | Trigonal | hexagonal |
| Common colors | Purple and yellow bicolor zoning | Yellow, Orange, Golden Brown |
| Rarity | common | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$150+ | $10–$300+ |
Which is more valuable?
Citrine is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $50 against $20 for Ametrine, and premium Citrine can reach $300 or more.
About Ametrine
Ametrine is a naturally occurring bicolor variety of quartz that combines the violet tones of amethyst with the golden hues of citrine within a single crystal. The color zoning arises from differing oxidation states of trace iron impurities distributed unevenly across growth sectors of the same silicon dioxide crystal. Most commercial ametrine traces back to a single deposit in Bolivia, though heat-treated material is also common in the gem trade.
About Citrine
Citrine is a yellow to orange variety of quartz. Natural citrine is rare; most on the market is heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz.
Ametrine vs Citrine FAQ
Is Ametrine the same as Citrine?
No. Ametrine is a mineral while Citrine is a quartz family. Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Ametrine from Citrine?
Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Hold a thin edge to the light: Ametrine is Transparent, Citrine is transparent. They overlap in yellow, but Ametrine also comes in purple and Citrine also comes in orange and brown.
Which is harder, Ametrine or Citrine?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 7.
Which is more valuable, Ametrine or Citrine?
Citrine is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $50 against $20 for Ametrine, and premium Citrine can reach $300 or more.
