mineral

Citrine

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow, honey, or amber; Lustre: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Yellow, honey, or amber

Identified June 11, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow, honey, or amber; Lustre: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous or metamorphic rocks through hydrothermal processes. While natural citrine is rare, most commercial citrine is created by heat-treating amethyst or smoky quartz.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in jewelry, as decorative collector specimens, and frequently in holistic or metaphysical practices as the 'Success Stone'.

Geological facts

Natural citrine displays pleochroism, meaning its color changes when viewed from different angles, whereas heat-treated material usually does not. It is one of the birthstones for November.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (scratches glass) and lack of cleavage. Look for internal fractures or 'veils'. In the field, it is often found in Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia.