mineral

Quartz (Citrine variety)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale yellow to honey brown; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Pale yellow to honey brown
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified June 9, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale yellow to honey brown; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous or metamorphic environments, often in hydrothermal veins or pegmatites. Natural citrine is rare and often forms when amethyst or smoky quartz is naturally heated by geothermal processes.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in jewelry as a gemstone, for ornamental carvings, and by crystal collectors. Industrial quartz is used in electronics and glassmaking.

Geological facts

Citrine is known as the 'Success Stone' or 'Merchant's Stone' in folklore. Most commercial citrine is actually heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz, which turns yellow at high temperatures.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and translucent yellow color. Found globally with major deposits in Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia.