Comparison · Quartz Family vs Minerals
Citrine vs Heliodor
Citrine and Heliodor are easy to confuse. Citrine is harder (Mohs 7) than Heliodor (Mohs 5), so Citrine will scratch Heliodor and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Citrine and Heliodor
- Citrine is harder (Mohs 7) than Heliodor (Mohs 5), so Citrine will scratch Heliodor and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not.
- Streak color differs: Citrine leaves a white streak on unglazed porcelain, Heliodor leaves white to light-colored.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Citrine is transparent, Heliodor is opaque.
Citrine vs Heliodor properties
| Property | Citrine | Heliodor |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Quartz Family | Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 7 | 5 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White to light-colored |
| Transparency | transparent | opaque |
| Specific gravity | 2.65 | 2.7 |
| Crystal system | hexagonal | varies |
| Common colors | Yellow, Orange, Golden Brown | Various |
| Rarity | uncommon | common |
| Typical specimen value | $10–$300+ | $2–$150+ |
Which is more valuable?
Citrine is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $50 against $20 for Heliodor, 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 Heliodor
Heliodor is gem-quality greenish-yellow variety of beryl.
Citrine vs Heliodor FAQ
Is Citrine the same as Heliodor?
No. Citrine is a quartz family while Heliodor is a mineral. Citrine is harder (Mohs 7) than Heliodor (Mohs 5), so Citrine will scratch Heliodor and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not.
How can you tell Citrine from Heliodor?
Citrine is harder (Mohs 7) than Heliodor (Mohs 5), so Citrine will scratch Heliodor and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not. Streak color differs: Citrine leaves a white streak on unglazed porcelain, Heliodor leaves white to light-colored. Hold a thin edge to the light: Citrine is transparent, Heliodor is opaque.
Which is harder, Citrine or Heliodor?
Citrine is harder: Mohs 7 against Mohs 5 for Heliodor.
Which is more valuable, Citrine or Heliodor?
Citrine is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $50 against $20 for Heliodor, and premium Citrine can reach $300 or more.
