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 
Spinel vs Citrine
Which Gemstone Should You Choose?
Spinel and Citrine are two popular gemstones, each offering vibrant colours and unique properties. While Spinel is known for its vivid red hues, Citrine offers sunny yellow tones.
This complete Spinel vs Citrine comparison guide will help you understand the differences in colour, clarity, durability, value, and jewellery suitability to select the perfect gemstone.
Spinel vs Citrine: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Spinel | Citrine |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral Family | Spinel | Quartz |
| Hardness | 8 – Very durable | 7 – Durable for most jewellery |
| Value | Moderate to high; affordable luxury | Low to moderate; widely accessible |
| Best For | Statement rings, fashion jewellery, daily wear | Everyday jewellery, earrings, pendants |
| Professional Guides | Spinel Buyer’s Guide | Citrine Buyer’s Guide |
Spinel Features, Colour & Durability Explained
Spinel is a durable gemstone with Mohs hardness 8. It comes in striking red, pink, and violet-red shades, prized for its brilliance and historical significance. Spinels are often confused with rubies but are more affordable, making them a versatile option for spinels jewellery.
Origins & History:
Spinel is sourced from Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Vietnam, and Madagascar. Red spinel was historically used in royal crowns and jewellery.
Price Guide (per carat):
R5,000 – R70,000 depending on quality and colour.
Citrine Features, Colour & Affordability Explained
Citrine is a warm yellow gemstone belonging to the quartz family. Its sunny hue ranges from pale yellow to golden brown, making it a favourite for citrine jewellery.
Origins & History:
Citrine is found in Brazil, Madagascar, Spain, and the USA. Naturally occurring Citrine is rarer; most commercial stones are heat-treated amethyst. Citrine’s cheerful yellow colour makes it ideal for decorative and statement jewellery.
Price Guide (per carat):
R200 – R5,000 depending on size and quality.
Spinel vs Citrine: Detailed Technical Comparison
| Feature | Spinel | Citrine |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Magnesium aluminium oxide (MgAl2O4) | Silicon dioxide (SiO2) |
| Colour | Red, pink-red, violet-red | Pale yellow, golden yellow, honey yellow |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 8 – Very durable | 7 – Durable for most jewellery |
| Refractive Index | 1.718 – 1.736 | 1.544 – 1.553 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.58 – 3.61 | 2.65 – 2.70 |
| Clarity & Inclusions | Generally eye-clean; minor inclusions acceptable | Usually eye-clean; occasional mineral inclusions |
| Origin | Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Vietnam, Madagascar | Brazil, Madagascar, Spain, USA |
| Treatment | Mostly untreated; occasional heat treatment | Usually heat-treated amethyst |
| Best Use | Statement rings, fashion jewellery, daily wear | Everyday jewellery, earrings, pendants, decorative pieces |
Spinel vs Citrine: Colour, Hardness & Care Tips
Colour Comparison:
- Spinel: Vivid red to pink-red; historically prized and vibrant.
- Citrine: Sunny yellow shades; cheerful and versatile for daily wear.
Hardness & Durability:
- Spinel: Mohs 8 – excellent for rings, bracelets, and necklaces.
- Citrine: Mohs 7 – durable, but more prone to scratches than spinel.
Care Tips:
- Spinel: Clean with mild soap and water; avoid hard knocks.
- Citrine: Avoid prolonged sun exposure and harsh chemicals; clean gently.
Spinel vs Citrine: How to Tell Them Apart
💡 Tip: Check colour, hardness, and brilliance. Spinel is harder and more brilliant, while Citrine shows characteristic yellow tones. Professional verification is recommended for high-value stones.
Spinel Summary
- Hardness: Mohs 8 – very durable
- Colour: Red, pink-red, violet-red
- Refractive Index: 1.718 – 1.736
- Inclusions: Minimal; usually eye-clean
- Care: Durable; avoid hard knocks
Citrine Summary
- Hardness: Mohs 7 – durable but softer than spinel
- Colour: Pale yellow to golden yellow
- Refractive Index: 1.544 – 1.553
- Inclusions: Occasionally visible; generally clean
- Care: Avoid harsh chemicals and prolonged sunlight
Buying Tips
- Always request a certificate for spinel purchases.
- Evaluate colour and clarity when buying citrine.
- Consider gemstone treatments: heat treatment is common for Citrine.
- Ensure secure settings for rings; spinel and citrine can both be used in daily wear jewellery.
- Browse our Spinel Collection and Citrine Collection.
Which Gemstone Should You Choose?
- Spinel: For vivid red gemstones with durability and luxury appeal.
- Citrine: For sunny yellow gemstones, affordability, and cheerful jewellery.
Both are beautiful, versatile, and perfect for different styles and occasions.
Spinel vs Citrine FAQ’s
Can Spinel be confused with Citrine?
Rarely; they differ in colour and hardness.
Which is more durable, Spinel or Citrine?
Spinel (Mohs 8) is harder and more durable.
Are Citrine gemstones natural?
Most commercial Citrine is heat-treated amethyst.
Can I wear Spinel jewellery daily?
Yes, Spinel is very durable for everyday use.
Do Citrine gemstones require special care?
Avoid prolonged sunlight and harsh chemicals to preserve colour.
Which gemstone is better for statement jewellery?
Spinel, for its vivid red colour and brilliance.
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