mineral

Citrine Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Pale yellow to golden honey; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 2.65

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

Identified June 15, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Pale yellow to golden honey; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous or metamorphic environments when amethyst or smoky quartz is naturally heated by geothermal activity. Most commercial citrine is lab-treated heat-treated amethyst.

Uses & applications

Popular in jewelry (faceted stones, beads), as a collector's specimen, and widely used in decorative home accessories and metaphysical practices.

Geological facts

Natural citrine is quite rare in nature; most yellow quartz found today is actually heat-treated amethyst (approx. 450 degrees Celsius) which turns it from purple to yellow.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its yellow color and lack of cleavage. It is commonly found in Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia. Unlike yellow topaz, it is harder than glass but won't scratch a diamond.

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