Topaz or Citrine

In the world of gemstones, along with the infinite shades and hues, it is pretty much inevitable that we get confused who’s who. Some even have exactly the same base color such as jade and emerald, garnet and ruby. But one of the most very much interchanged is the lustrous yellow stones of both citrine and topaz.

Citrine comes from the mineral quartz. A large family that comes in a multitude of colors ranging from colorless, clear crystals to as black as the onyx. Like all quartz-based gemstones, this stone also has a score of 7 in the Moh’s scale. Citrine’s amber-colored crystal is caused by impurities of ferric iron; however the combination of both is very uncommon and rare. In fact, most commercialized citrine jewelry are artificially enhanced and treated. Brazil is the primary producer of naturally mined citrine as well as most of the gemstones.

Citrine is not amongst the biggest players in the gemstone industry. Unfortunately they are somehow known under the name topaz. However, in closer examination both vary in nuances of few colors. The name citrine is derived from the color itself – the yellow shade of lemons. But the finest pieces of citrine range from a very intense yellow to even reddish brown. Even if some gemologists find their ability to refract light relatively low, they still have won the hearts of millions with their very warm tone which seems to have confined the very last glow of the autumn shine.

Topaz on the other hand is made from the silicate mineral of both fluorine and aluminum. Unlike citrine which only comes in tones of yellow to brown, topaz (although widely known for its golden yellow luster) also comes in a wide variety of spectral colors such as honey-yellow, brown, light blue, red, green, and blue topaz just to name a few.

The topaz is considered one of the oldest gemstones to which first traces of its existence dates back to as early as 2000 years ago. The natural golden glow of the topaz mineral is widely known to be one’s protection against foes. It has also long been a stone that signifies splendor and beauty. In theology, topaz is ascribed to disperse sadness and anger. The wearer is deemed to be protected from sudden death and poison. It is even alleged to make men attractive and intelligent, women fertile and blissful.

They have so much been related to each other that both are believed to have owned the same magical powers. Either topaz or citrine claim to dispel nocturnal fears and protect you as you sleep. But some gemologists suggest not relying so much on their possessed influence but more on your own instincts, which in broader sense is pretty much more acceptable.


Both citrine and topaz have long been associated with one another. In fact, both are even affirmed as the official birthstones for the month of November. So, the next time you give either topaz or citrine to a November-born individual, you pretty much know that both are good enough.

In the current trade, although topaz is still prevalent, they have slowly been taken over by citrine for they are more reasonably priced and are less rare. Since topaz has extreme scarcity, they have merely been an exotic stature in the jewelry trade. Due to the recent emergence of citrine, topaz has become relatively uncommon. However, enthusiasts of the stones believe that it is still in hibernation and is waiting for its enormous comeback. But to whatever reasons you may have, the decision still lies in your hands if you would prefer topaz or citrine.