mineral

Citrine Quartz Geode

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale yellow to golden honey; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal (pyramidal terminations); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

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

Identified June 16, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed as a secondary mineral in volcanic cavities or hydrothermal veins. While natural citrine is rare, most commercial citrine is created by heat-treating amethyst or smoky quartz to alter iron oxidation states. Typically found in Cenozoic to Precambrian formations.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry (faceting), crystal healing practices, and as decorative mineral specimens for collectors.

Geological facts

Citrine is known as the 'Success Stone' or 'Merchant's Stone' in folklore. Natural citrine is rare; if a specimen has a white base and a very dark orange tip, it is likely heat-treated amethyst.

Field identification & locations

Identify by hexagonal crystal terminations and lack of cleavage. Found commonly in Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia. When searching in the field, look for quartz points within hollow vugs or geode nodules in igneous landscapes.

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Mineral/Rock

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Metamorphic Rock

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