Comparison · Quartz Family vs Semi-Precious Stones
Citrine vs Topaz
Citrine and Topaz are easy to confuse. Topaz is harder (Mohs 8) than Citrine (Mohs 7), so Topaz will scratch Citrine and not the other way round. It scratches glass and a steel knife and cannot be scratched by a steel file. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Citrine and Topaz
- Topaz is harder (Mohs 8) than Citrine (Mohs 7), so Topaz will scratch Citrine and not the other way round. It scratches glass and a steel knife and cannot be scratched by a steel file.
- Topaz feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.5 versus 2.65 for Citrine).
- They overlap in yellow and orange, but Citrine also comes in brown and Topaz also comes in clear, blue, and pink.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Citrine is hexagonal, Topaz is orthorhombic.
Citrine vs Topaz properties
| Property | Citrine | Topaz |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Quartz Family | Semi-Precious Stones |
| Mohs hardness | 7 | 8 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | transparent | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 2.65 | 3.5 |
| Crystal system | hexagonal | orthorhombic |
| Common colors | Yellow, Orange, Golden Brown | Colorless, Blue, Yellow, Orange, Pink |
| Rarity | uncommon | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $10–$300+ | $20–$3000+ |
Which is more valuable?
Topaz is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $100 against $50 for Citrine, and premium Topaz can reach $3000 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 Topaz
Topaz is an aluminum silicate mineral prized for its hardness and brilliant colors. Imperial topaz (orange-pink) from Brazil is most valuable.
Citrine vs Topaz FAQ
Is Citrine the same as Topaz?
No. Citrine is a quartz family while Topaz is a semi-precious stone. Topaz is harder (Mohs 8) than Citrine (Mohs 7), so Topaz will scratch Citrine and not the other way round. It scratches glass and a steel knife and cannot be scratched by a steel file.
How can you tell Citrine from Topaz?
Topaz is harder (Mohs 8) than Citrine (Mohs 7), so Topaz will scratch Citrine and not the other way round. It scratches glass and a steel knife and cannot be scratched by a steel file. Topaz feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.5 versus 2.65 for Citrine). They overlap in yellow and orange, but Citrine also comes in brown and Topaz also comes in clear, blue, and pink.
Which is harder, Citrine or Topaz?
Topaz is harder: Mohs 8 against Mohs 7 for Citrine.
Which is more valuable, Citrine or Topaz?
Topaz is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $100 against $50 for Citrine, and premium Topaz can reach $3000 or more.
