Citrine Vs. Jasper


Citrine is a very popular gemstone composed of silicon dioxide.[1] Jasper is also a very popular gemstone and its chemical composition is also silicon dioxide.[2]

Images of citrine

Images of jasper


Quick Facts on Differences of Citrine and Jasper

For a quick recap of the differences citrine and jasper:
  • Citrine is transparent while jasper is opaque.
  • While both citrine and jasper can be hexagonal, in terms of crystallography, citrine can be trigonal.
  • While both citrine and jasper is vitreous, in terms of luster, jasper can be dull or waxy.
  • Citrine can be commonly orange while jasper can be commonly red.
  • Citrine's rarity is more rare than jasper.

Quick Facts on Similarities of Citrine and Jasper

The similarities of citrine and jasper include:
  • For chemical formulas, citrine and jasper both are SiO2.
  • Citrine and jasper both streak white.
  • Citrine's hardness overlaps with jasper - citrine is 7 and jasper ranges from 6.5 to 7 on the Moh's scale.
  • Citrine's specific gravity overlaps with jasper - citrine is 2.651 and jasper ranges from 2.55 to 2.91.

Summary of Citrine

Citrine is a variety of quartz, which is a mineral that is widely distributed throughout the world. It is a yellow to brownish-orange color and is often used in jewelry and decorative objects. Citrine is often referred to as the "healing quartz" due to its purported ability to promote mental clarity, emotional stability, and physical well-being.

Summary of Jasper

Jasper is a type of mineral that is commonly found in sedimentary rocks, and is usually formed through the deposition of silica-rich sediments. It is a beautiful and unique mineral that comes in a variety of colors, including red, brown, yellow, green, and blue. Jasper is often used in jewelry making, as well as for decorative purposes in home decor and landscaping.

Table Comparison of Citrine vs Jasper

Citrine (src) Jasper (src)
Transparency transparent opaque
Chemical Formula SiO2 SiO2
Chemical Composition silicon dioxide silicon dioxide
Specific Gravity 2.651 2.55, 2.91
Hardness 7 6.5, 7
Streak white white
Crystallography hexagonal, trigonal hexagonal
Refractive Index 1.544, 1.553 1.54, 1.553
Hydrous No No
Colors common: orange
sometimes: brown
less common: yellow
common: red
sometimes: yellow
less common: blue, gray, black, brown, green, white, orange, band, multicolor
Fracture conchoidal conchoidal


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