mineral

Citrine Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow to honey-brown; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (Trigonal); Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Yellow to honey-brown
Luster: Vitreous

Identified June 7, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow to honey-brown; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (Trigonal); Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed in magmatic and hydrothermal environments such as pegmatites and quartz veins. Natural citrine is rare and often forms when amethyst or smoky quartz is heated by geothermal processes.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry (faceting and cabochons), crystal healing, and as a popular mineral specimen for collectors.

Geological facts

Natural citrine is quite rare; most 'citrine' in the market is actually heat-treated amethyst. It is known as the 'Merchant's Stone' in folklore for its association with wealth and success.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hexagonal crystal habit, lack of cleavage, and ability to scratch glass. Natural specimens often show color zoning. Frequently found in Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Biotite Schist

Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]

metamorphic