Comparison · Quartz Family vs Materials
Citrine vs Goldstone
Citrine and Goldstone are easy to confuse. Citrine is harder (Mohs 7) than Goldstone (Mohs 5.5), so Citrine will scratch Goldstone and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Citrine and Goldstone
- Citrine is harder (Mohs 7) than Goldstone (Mohs 5.5), so Citrine will scratch Goldstone and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will.
- Streak color differs: Citrine leaves a white streak on unglazed porcelain, Goldstone leaves white to colorless.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Citrine is transparent, Goldstone is opaque.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Citrine is hexagonal, Goldstone is amorphous.
Citrine vs Goldstone properties
| Property | Citrine | Goldstone |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Quartz Family | Materials |
| Mohs hardness | 7 | 5.5 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White to colorless |
| Transparency | transparent | opaque |
| Specific gravity | 2.65 | 2.5 |
| Crystal system | hexagonal | amorphous |
| Common colors | Yellow, Orange, Golden Brown | Copper, Brown, Orange, Gold, Sparkly |
| Rarity | uncommon | common |
| Typical specimen value | $10–$300+ | $3–$80+ |
Which is more valuable?
Citrine is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $50 against $15 for Goldstone, and premium Citrine can reach $300 or more.
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.
About Goldstone
Goldstone is a manufactured glittering glass, usually coppery brown to orange, sold as beads, cabochons, and tumbled stones.
Citrine vs Goldstone FAQ
Is Citrine the same as Goldstone?
No. Citrine is a quartz family while Goldstone is a material. Citrine is harder (Mohs 7) than Goldstone (Mohs 5.5), so Citrine will scratch Goldstone and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will.
How can you tell Citrine from Goldstone?
Citrine is harder (Mohs 7) than Goldstone (Mohs 5.5), so Citrine will scratch Goldstone and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will. Streak color differs: Citrine leaves a white streak on unglazed porcelain, Goldstone leaves white to colorless. Hold a thin edge to the light: Citrine is transparent, Goldstone is opaque.
Which is harder, Citrine or Goldstone?
Citrine is harder: Mohs 7 against Mohs 5.5 for Goldstone.
Which is more valuable, Citrine or Goldstone?
Citrine is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $50 against $15 for Goldstone, and premium Citrine can reach $300 or more.
