mineral

Citrine or Yellow Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: transparent yellow to golden brown; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: transparent yellow to golden brown
Luster: Vitreous

Identified May 9, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: transparent yellow to golden brown; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous and metamorphic environments, often in hydrothermal veins or as a secondary mineral in geodes. Natural citrine is rare; many commercial specimens are heat-treated amethyst.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry (rings, pendants), as a decorative gemstone, and in metaphysical collecting as a 'success stone'.

Geological facts

Natural citrine is quite rare in nature. Most citrine on the market is actually amethyst or smoky quartz that has been heat-treated to change its color from purple/grey to yellow.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its 7 hardness (it will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. Common locations include Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia. Look for the absence of bubbles (which would indicate glass).

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Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

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

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

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mineral