mineral

Lemon Quartz (Orizaba/Citrinated Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities/treatment

Hardness: 7 (Mohs); Color: Pale yellow to greenish-yellow; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 (Mohs)
Color: Pale yellow to greenish-yellow
Luster: Vitreous

Identified May 9, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs); Color: Pale yellow to greenish-yellow; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous and metamorphic environments, specifically pegmatites and hydrothermal veins. Often created by heating natural amethyst or smoky quartz in the presence of iron to achieve the lemon hue.

Uses & applications

Primarily used for decorative purposes, jewelry (faceted gemstones, beads), and as metaphysical/meditative tools (towers/points).

Geological facts

Unlike natural citrine, lemon quartz often has a distinct greenish-neon undertone. It is almost always the result of artificial irradiation followed by heat treatment to produce this specific saturation.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of bubbles (unlike glass imitations), and distinct hexagonal prism shape. Commonly found in Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

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

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral

Epidote

Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)

mineral