mineral

Citrine Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Pale yellow to golden-brown; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal (often found as massive or trigonal crystals); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: Pale yellow to golden-brown
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified March 21, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed as a macrocrystalline variety of quartz in igneous (granite pegmatites) and metamorphic rocks. Natural citrine is rare and typically forms when amethyst or smoky quartz are heated by nearby geothermal activity. Most commercial citrine is heat-treated amethyst.

Uses & applications

Primary use is in the jewelry industry as a semi-precious gemstone. It is also highly popular for ornamental carving, metaphysical collecting, and as 'tumbled stones'.

Geological facts

Natural citrine is called the 'Merchant's Stone' due to a historical belief that it brings prosperity. It is one of the few gemstones that is naturally yellow; unlike many other yellow stones, it does not contain iron impurities but rather submicroscopic distribution of colloidal ferric hydroxide.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and yellow hue. Natural specimens are often found in Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia. Collectors should check for 'zoning' or cloudiness; heat-treated citrine often has a bright orange-red tint and a chalky white base.