mineral

Yellow Quartz (Citrine Quartzite)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

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

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

Identified April 7, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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

Formation & geological history

Formed through hydrothermal processes in veins or as a component of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Yellow coloration is often caused by colloidal iron or heat treatment of amethyst/smoky quartz.

Uses & applications

Predominantly used in jewelry, as decorative gemstones, for metaphysical purposes (healing crystals), and lapidary art.

Geological facts

Natural citrine is quite rare compared to heat-treated amethyst. Most 'citrine' on the commercial market is actually amethyst baked at high temperatures to achieve a yellow hue.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its inability to be scratched by a steel knife and its lack of cleavage. Commonly found in riverbeds as water-worn pebbles or in pegmatites in Brazil, Madagascar, and the USA.

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