mineral

Heat-Treated Citrine (Amethyst)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: White base with burnt-orange to deep brownish-yellow tips; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: White base with burnt-orange to deep brownish-yellow tips
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified June 26, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed as amethyst in volcanic geodes. This specific specimen has been artificially heated (usually above 450 degrees Celsius) to change its color from purple to orange. Natural citrine is quite rare; most commercial citrine is heat-treated amethyst.

Uses & applications

Predominantly used for ornamental purposes, metaphysical and healing crystal markets, and affordable jewelry.

Geological facts

Natural citrine usually has a uniform pale yellow color without the white opaque base seen in this specimen. The dark burnt-orange tips are a diagnostic sign of heat-induced alteration of amethyst. It is often called 'burnt amethyst' by geologists.

Field identification & locations

Look for a concentrated orange color at the tips of the crystals and a stark white base. It is commonly found in Brazil and Uruguay. Collectors identify it by the lack of dichroism compared to natural citrine.

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

Green Apatite on Albite

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

mineral