mineral

Citrine

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) - Yellow Quartz variety

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

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

Identified March 21, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks, particularly geodes and pegmatites. Natural citrine is rare and results from the presence of iron impurities within quartz crystals under specific thermal conditions; however, most commercial citrine is created by heat-treating amethyst.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry as a faceted gemstone or cabochon; also highly valued in crystal healing and by mineral collectors as the 'November birthstone'.

Geological facts

Citrine is known as the 'Merchant's Stone' because it was historically believed to attract wealth. Natural citrine is pale yellow, while heat-treated amethyst tends to have more reddish-orange or 'burnt' amber tones.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. Common sources include Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia. When identifying in the field, look for hexagonal crystal points in geodes or river-worn pebbles with a vitreous luster.

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