Ruby vs. Citrine: The King of Gems vs. The Sun-Kissed Stone

The choice between Ruby and Citrine is a journey between two worlds of warm-toned gemstones. It’s a dramatic comparison of the ultimate symbol of passion and luxury against the most joyful and accessible of gems. While both radiate warmth, they are galaxies apart in rarity, value, and durability.

This definitive guide breaks down the key differences to help you decide which gemstone’s fiery spirit aligns with your style and needs.

Ruby vs. Citrine: A Quick Comparison

Aspect	Ruby	Citrine
Chemical Composition	Aluminum Oxide (Corundum)	Silicon Dioxide (Quartz)
Hardness (Mohs Scale)	9 (Exceptional)	7 (Very Good)
Durability	Excellent. Ideal for daily wear.	Good. Suitable for daily wear with care.
Refractive Index	1.76-1.78 (Bright Vitreous Lustre)	1.54 – 1.55 (Vitreous Lustre)
Best Known For	Vivid “pigeon’s blood” red, rarity, luxury.	Warm yellow-to-orange hue, brilliance, affordability.
Color Range	Red – from pinkish to purplish to blood red.	Pale yellow to rich amber, Madeira red.
Price Point	$$$$ – $$$$$+ (Premium to Luxury)	$ (Extremely Accessible)

1. Durability and Hardness: The Critical Distinction

This is the most important factor for jewelry, especially for rings.

Ruby: With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, ruby is the second hardest natural gemstone after diamond. It is exceptionally scratch-resistant and tough, making it a perfect, worry-free choice for an engagement ring or a piece of jewelry meant for a lifetime of daily wear. It is a true heirloom-quality gem.
Citrine: With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, citrine is a durable and tough gemstone, perfectly suitable for jewelry. However, it is significantly softer than ruby and can be scratched by materials that a ruby would easily resist (like dust, which contains quartz). It requires more careful wear over many years.

Jewelry Verdict:

For an heirloom piece for daily wear: Ruby is the unequivocal winner.
For earrings, pendants, or occasional-wear rings: Citrine is a beautiful and durable enough choice.

2. Color and Appearance: Fiery Passion vs. Sunny Glow

While both are warm-toned, their color profiles are distinct.

Ruby is prized for its intensely saturated, vivid red, often with a slight purplish or bluish undertone. The most coveted color is a pure, vibrant red known as “pigeon’s blood.” A fine ruby seems to glow from within with a fiery, incandescent color.
Citrine is beloved for its sunny, transparent yellow and orange hues. Its color ranges from a pale, lemony yellow to a deep, saturated amber or “Madeira” red-brown. Its beauty is in its bright, cheerful color and good clarity. It’s important to note that most commercial citrine is heat-treated amethyst.

3. Price and Value: The Most Dramatic Difference

The price gap between these two gems is one of the largest in the gemstone world.

Ruby is one of the most expensive gemstones in the world, often commanding higher prices per carat than a diamond of similar size. Its value is driven by its extreme rarity, especially in larger sizes with top color. A ruby is a significant financial investment.
Citrine is one of the most affordable gemstones available. Its abundance means you can get a large, high-quality, vividly colored stone for a very low cost. It offers incredible value for its beauty and size.

4. Symbolism and Meaning

Ruby: Historically known as the “King of Gems,” the ruby symbolizes passion, energy, wealth, and power. It is the birthstone for July and has long been associated with deep love, courage, and vitality.
Citrine: Known as the “Merchant’s Stone” or “Success Stone,” it is believed to attract prosperity, abundance, and success. It symbolizes joy, positivity, and light. It is the birthstone for November.

The Final Verdict: Which Warm Gem is Right for You?

Choose a Ruby if:

You are looking for a high-value, luxury investment for an engagement ring or heirloom.
You desire the most vibrant, fiery, and saturated red available.
Ultimate durability for daily wear is your top priority.
The symbolism of passion, power, and love resonates with you, or you are a July birthstone baby.

Choose a Citrine if:

You love bright, sunny, and cheerful yellow and orange hues.
Value and accessibility are your top priorities.
You want a large, statement stone without the luxury price tag.
You are attracted to the symbolism of prosperity and positivity or are a November birthstone baby.

In essence: Ruby is the gem of passionate power. Citrine is the gem of sunny prosperity. One allows you to own one of the most coveted substances on earth; the other allows you to own a beautiful, joyful treasure.

Find Your Perfect Gem at JW

Whether you’re drawn to the fiery passion of Ruby or the sunny warmth of Citrine, our collections showcase the finest examples of both.

Explore Our Ruby Collection
Browse Our Citrine Jewelry
Schedule a Consultation: Our gemologists can help you see the dramatic difference between these two gems in person.