If you’ve ever admired a warm, golden-yellow gemstone at a jewelry counter, you might have wondered: “Is that citrine, or is it yellow topaz?”
They do look very similar at first glance, but they’re distinct gemstones with different properties, histories and price points. In this article, you'll find out their differences and how you can tell them apart.
Different Mineral Families
Citrine
Family: A variety of quartz (one of the most common minerals on Earth)
Composition: Primarily silicon dioxide (SiO₂).
Topaz
Family: A fluoro-silicate of aluminum (chemical formula Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂)
Composition: Entirely different from quartz, placing it in a separate mineral group.
Physical & Chemical Properties
Hardness (Mohs Scale)
(The higher the number, the more resistant the gemstone is to scratching.)
Citrine (Quartz): 7 on the Mohs scale.
Topaz: 8 on the Mohs scale.
Density (Specific Gravity)
Citrine: About 2.65.
Topaz: About 3.55, making it significantly heavier.
Given this density difference, if you compare two stones of the same weight—say, both are 5 carats—the topaz will actually look smaller because it’s more densely packed. This is an important point for buyers who want a certain physical “presence” in their gemstone.
Color Differences
Citrine: Commonly ranges from pale yellow to light orangy brown. Natural citrine often displays subtle, evenly distributed color. Heat-treated citrine (often starting life as amethyst or smoky quartz) may show deeper or uneven color zones.
Yellow Topaz: Has a often more vibrant golden-yellow - sometimes leaning toward an orangey tint, called “golden topaz”.
Rarity & Value
Citrine: More widely available and typically more affordable.
Yellow Topaz: Rarer and can be significantly more expensive, especially in deeper, more vibrant color shades.
Historical Confusion
Historically, virtually any yellow or brown gemstone was labeled “topaz.” When gemology became recognized as a formal science in the 1930s, experts began distinguishing these stones properly based on their actual mineral composition. This is why older pieces of jewelry sometimes claim to feature “topaz” when the gem is actually citrine.
Non-Destructive Methods To Identify Citrine vs. Yellow Topaz
Because citrine and yellow topaz can look very similar, gemologists rely on a series of tests to tell them apart. Let's look at some non-destructive ways to tell the two apart which won't damage the stone.
01 - Heft (Density) Test
What It Is: Gently holding each gem in your hand to sense which feels heavier.
Why It Works: Topaz (specific gravity ~3.55) is denser than citrine (~2.65). This implies that if both stones are 5 carats, the topaz will be physically smaller. When comparing stones of equal physical size, the topaz will feel heavier.
02 - Hardness Check
What It Is: Involves testing scratch-resistance.
Why It Works: Topaz ranks 8 on the Mohs scale vs. 7 for citrine. A professional gemologist can use tools to check hardness without harming the gem (though you generally don’t want to try a “scratch test” on finished jewelry at home).
03 - Refractive Index (RI)
What It Is: Using a refractometer to measure how much the stone bends light.
Why It Works: Topaz has a higher RI than quartz (citrine), often giving it extra brilliance.
04 - Magnification & Inclusions
Citrine: May show unique “tiger stripe” inclusions, feather patterns, or small rainbows when light passes through.
Topaz: Tends to have fewer inclusions and can appear more transparent or “eye-clean.”
Why It Matters: Certain inclusion types can hint strongly at a stone’s identity and authenticity.
05 - Polariscope & Conoscope
What It Is: Specialised lab instruments used to analyse a gem’s optical characteristics under polarised light.
Why It Works: Quartz-family gems (like citrine) can show unique interference patterns that topaz will not.
For a quick preliminary check at home, you can try the heft test. However, it’s always best to consult a professional gemologist for definitive identification, especially for higher-value pieces.
The Value of Inclusions
- Citrine: In some cases, interesting inclusions (like “tiger stripes”) can boost a stone’s appeal to collectors.
- Topaz: Typically, clarity is highly prized. Inclusions often lower the stone’s value unless they’re exceptionally rare or interesting.
Since both citrine and topaz can present minimal visible inclusions in their higher grades, it’s not uncommon to find “eye-clean” examples of each.
Should You Buy Citrine or Yellow Topaz?
- Budget: Citrine is more budget-friendly. If you love warm yellows and want a bigger gem for your money, citrine is a great choice.
- Rarity: If you crave something less common with a higher perceived value, you might prefer yellow topaz.
- Durability: Both are durable enough for everyday wear, though topaz (Mohs scale hardness of 8) is slightly more scratch-resistant than citrine (Mohs 7).
