mineral

Rough Quartz (var. Citrine or Yellow Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale yellow to honey-amber; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoïdal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7
Color: Pale yellow to honey-amber
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified March 30, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale yellow to honey-amber; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoïdal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous pegmatites or hydrothermal veins where silicon-rich fluids crystallize. Its yellow color often results from trace amounts of iron or natural/artificial irradiation of amethyst quartz.

Uses & applications

Popular for jewelry (as a gemstone), metaphysical crystal collecting, and industrial use in glassmaking or as an abrasive.

Geological facts

Naturally occurring citrine is quite rare; most commercial 'citrine' is actually heat-treated amethyst. It is known as the 'Merchant's Stone' in folklore due to a belief that it attracts wealth.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass and steel), lack of cleavage, and translucent yellow-to-orange hue. Commonly found in Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia.

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