mineral

Citrine Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow to honey-orange; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Yellow to honey-orange
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified May 8, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow to honey-orange; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous or metamorphic environments when amethyst or smoky quartz is naturally heated by nearby geothermal activity. Natural citrine is rare; many commercial pieces are heat-treated amethyst.

Uses & applications

Popular in jewelry (faceted gemstones), metaphysical healing practices, and as a decorative mineral for collectors.

Geological facts

Natural citrine is often called the 'Merchant's Stone' as it was historically believed to attract wealth. Most 'citrine' sold today is actually heat-treated amethyst, which usually has a more intense orange or reddish-burnt hue compared to the pale yellow of natural citrine.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. Found globally in Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia. Natural crystals are usually pale yellow rather than deep orange.

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