COMPARE GUIDE
AmberVSCitrine
Side-by-side comparison of physical properties, fluorescence, and crystal system — to identify by observation.
Decisive distinctionsDECISIVE
- ◎ is higher in Citrine, giving a numerical distinguishing point.
- ◎ is higher in Citrine, giving a numerical distinguishing point.
Note: properties whose numeric ranges do not overlap are auto-extracted. Both are measurable with a refractometer or heavy-liquid bath.
Physical propertiesPROPERTIES
| Property | A: Amber | B: Citrine | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refractive index (RI) | 1.539–1.545 | 1.544–1.553 | Overlap |
| Specific gravity (SG) | 1.05–1.10 | 2.64–2.66 | B higher |
| Mohs hardness | 2.0–2.5 | 7.0 | B higher |
| Birefringence | — | 0.009 | — |
| Dispersion | — | — | — |
Optics & fluorescenceOPTICS & UV
| Property | A: Amber | B: Citrine |
|---|---|---|
| Crystal system | 非晶質（樹脂化石） | 三方晶系 |
| Pleochroism | — | 弱 |
| Chelsea filter | — | inert |
| UV (long-wave) | — | inert |
| UV (short-wave) | weak (yellow) | inert |
ObservationOBSERVATION
◆Amber floats in saturated salt water and feels warm in hand; citrine is much denser (SG 2.65) and feels cool, with a glassy luster and conchoidal fracture rather than amber's resinous luster.
Color categoriesCATEGORIES
A: Amber
Yellow / orange
B: Citrine
Yellow / orange
DISTINGUISHING TOOLS · 2 ITEMS
Distinguishing tools
Tools that decide between Amber and Citrine in practice.
Note: this page is auto-generated from published GIA / CGL reference values. Individual stones, treatments, and synthetics may fall outside these ranges. For a definitive identification, consult an accredited gem laboratory.