How Topaz and Citrine differ in what they are, color, hardness and care.
| Topaz | Citrine | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A hard gem (8 on the Mohs scale) whose perfect cleavage makes it prone to chipping or cracking. | Yellow to golden orange quartz, colored by traces of iron. Most citrine sold is heat treated amethyst or smoky quartz. |
| Birthstone for | November | November |
| Colors | Colorless when pure; Brownish orange to yellow (precious topaz); Orange with pink undertones (imperial topaz, the most prized); Blue (rare in nature, usually from treatment) | Light yellow to warm golden orange |
| Mohs hardness | 8 | 7 |
| Toughness | Poor, because of its cleavage: a hard blow can split it. Pendants and earrings, or protective settings, are safer. | Good. Suitable for all jewelry, including rings. |
| Everyday wear | Wear with care | Good for everyday wear |
| Ultrasonic cleaner | Avoid | Usually safe, except rare dyed or fracture filled stones |
| Main sources | Brazil (largest producer), Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka | Brazil (largest supplier), Spain, Bolivia, France |
| Common treatments | Often irradiated, heated or coated. Coatings on colorless topaz are not very durable; avoid abrasive cleaners. | Not stated |
Topaz is the harder of the two (8 on the Mohs scale). Both are November birthstones, so either makes a fitting gift. Choose by the color you love and how the piece will be worn; for a ring worn every day, the tougher stone will last better.
Sources: GIA: Topaz care and cleaning, AGS: Topaz, GIA: Citrine care and cleaning, AGS: Citrine. Checked October 16, 2026.
Birthstone of the month
On the first of each month: that month's birthstone, what it means and how to care for it.
Unsubscribe with one click. We keep your address private. Privacy.
Signed up. Thanks!
