1st - Gold 
January 
February 
March 
April 
May 
June 
July 
August 
September 
October 
November 
December 
Capricorn - Garnet 
Aquarius - Amethyst 
Pisces - Aquamarine 
Aries - Diamond 
Taurus - Emerald 
Gemini - Pearl 
Cancer - Ruby 
Leo - Peridot 
Virgo - Blue Sapphire 
Libra - Opal 
Scorpio - Topaz 
Sagittarius - Tanzanite 
Ametrine vs Citrine
Which Gemstone Should You Choose?
Ametrine and Citrine are both beautiful gemstones belonging to the quartz family, yet they display strikingly different colours and value characteristics. Ametrine features a natural blend of purple and golden yellow, while Citrine is known for its sunny yellow tones.
This Ametrine vs Citrine comparison guide will help you understand the key differences, value, durability, and care tips, so you can confidently select the perfect gemstone for your jewellery.
Ametrine vs Citrine: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Ametrine | Citrine |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral Family | Quartz | Quartz |
| Hardness | 7 – Durable for daily wear | 7 – Durable for daily wear |
| Value | Moderate; bicolour rare and unique | Moderate; generally affordable |
| Best For | Statement jewellery, collector pieces | Everyday jewellery, fashion jewellery, rings, pendants |
| Professional Guides | Ametrine Buyer’s Guide | Citrine Buyer’s Guide |
Ametrine Features, Colour & Unique Appeal
Ametrine combines the purple hue of Amethyst and the golden yellow of Citrine in a single stone, creating a natural gradient that is highly prized in jewellery design. The intensity of the purple and yellow zones determines value.
Origins & History:
Ametrine is primarily sourced from Bolivia, with smaller deposits in Brazil and India. The natural bicolour phenomenon occurs due to varying oxidation states of iron within the crystal.
Price Guide (per carat):
R800 – R5,000, depending on size and colour zoning.
Citrine Features, Colour & Durability Explained
Citrine is a naturally yellow quartz, popular for its warm golden colour and versatility. It is widely used in both fine and fashion jewellery due to its availability and affordability.
Origins & History:
Citrine comes from Brazil, Madagascar, Spain, and the USA. Its cheerful yellow tones have made it a popular stone for centuries, symbolising success, energy, and abundance.
Price Guide (per carat):
R150 – R1,200 depending on size and clarity.
Ametrine vs Citrine: Detailed Technical Comparison
| Feature | Ametrine | Citrine |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Silicon dioxide (SiO2) with iron causing colour zoning | Silicon dioxide (SiO2) with traces of iron |
| Colour | Purple to violet and golden yellow, bicolour zones | Golden yellow to honey yellow, uniform colour |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 7 – Durable for rings, pendants, and daily wear | 7 – Durable for everyday jewellery |
| Refractive Index | 1.544 – 1.553 | 1.544 – 1.553 |
| Specific Gravity | 2.65 – 2.72 | 2.65 – 2.70 |
| Clarity & Inclusions | Typically eye-clean; minor inclusions acceptable | Usually eye-clean; few visible inclusions |
| Origin | Bolivia, Brazil, India | Brazil, Madagascar, Spain, USA |
| Treatment | Rarely heat-treated; usually natural bicolour | Occasionally heat-treated to enhance yellow colour |
| Best Use | Collector pieces, statement rings, pendants | Everyday jewellery, rings, pendants, fashion pieces |
Ametrine vs Citrine: Colour, Hardness & Care Tips
Colour Comparison:
- Ametrine: Striking blend of purple and yellow in one gemstone.
- Citrine: Uniform golden yellow; bright, cheerful, and versatile.
Hardness & Durability:
- Both: Mohs 7 – suitable for everyday wear in rings, earrings, and pendants.
Care Tips:
- Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which can fade colour over time.
- Clean with mild soap and water; store separately to prevent scratches.
Ametrine vs Citrine: How to Tell Them Apart
💡 Tip: Look for colour zoning and intensity. Ametrine is bicolour with clear purple and yellow zones; Citrine is uniformly golden yellow.
Ametrine Summary
- Hardness: Mohs 7 – durable
- Colour: Purple and yellow bicolour
- Refractive Index: 1.544 – 1.553
- Inclusions: Minor; typically eye-clean
- Care: Avoid sunlight and harsh chemicals; store separately
Citrine Summary
- Hardness: Mohs 7 – durable
- Colour: Golden yellow to honey yellow
- Refractive Index: 1.544 – 1.553
- Inclusions: Minimal; usually eye-clean
- Care: Gentle cleaning; protect from scratches
Buying Tips
- Ensure Ametrine’s bicolour is natural and not artificially dyed.
- For Citrine, check clarity and uniform colour.
- Consider jewellery setting; secure prongs for Ametrine zones.
- Browse our Ametrine Collection and Citrine Collection.
Which Gemstone Should You Choose?
- Ametrine: Ideal for collectors and statement jewellery; unique bicolour appeal.
- Citrine: Affordable, versatile, and cheerful; great for everyday fashion jewellery.
Both are stunning quartz gemstones; understanding colour, value, and care ensures the perfect choice for your style.
Ametrine vs Citrine FAQ’s
Can Ametrine be confused with Citrine?
Yes, but Ametrine’s purple-yellow zoning is distinctive.
Are Citrine and Ametrine natural quartz?
Yes, both belong to the quartz family.
Can Ametrine be worn daily?
Yes, Mohs 7 hardness allows daily wear with care.
Does Citrine fade over time?
Prolonged sunlight may slightly fade its yellow colour.
Is Ametrine more expensive than Citrine?
Generally yes; natural bicolour Ametrine is rarer.
Are treatments common for these stones?
Citrine is sometimes heat-treated; Ametrine is usually untreated.
COMPARE GEMSTONES WITH CONFIDENCE
Gemstone Comparison Guides
Choosing between two beautiful gemstones can be challenging. Our professional Gemstone Comparison Guides help you clearly understand the differences between popular gemstones so you can make a confident and informed choice.
Each comparison explores the key factors that influence gemstone quality and value, including colour, clarity, durability, rarity and typical treatments. You will also learn how similar-looking gemstones differ in appearance, composition, hardness and more.
HERE IS ALL THE PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION YOU NEED
Gemstone Buyer's Guides
Buying a gemstone should be exciting — but understanding quality, rarity and value is essential before making the right choice. Our professional Gemstone Buyer’s Guides help you understand how colour, clarity, cut and treatments influence the beauty and value of different gemstones.
Each guide explains the key quality factors used by gemologists, including gemstone composition, colour grading, natural inclusions, treatments and origin. You will also learn how these factors affect rarity, durability and market value.
Beryl Family
Feldspar Gemstones
Pyroxene Gemstones
Spodumene Family
Chalcedony & Agate
Quartz Gemstones
Amethyst
Ametrine
Citrine
Prasiolite
Quartz
Rose Quartz
Rutile Quartz
Smoky Quartz
Rare & Collector Gemstones
Apatite
Chrysoberyl
Clinozoisite
Fluorite
Grandidierite
Iolite
Jade
Kyanite
Lapis Lazuli
Phosphosiderite
Prehnite
Serendibite
Sillimanite
Sphene
Sugilite
Vesuvianite