mineral

Citrine Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale yellow to brownish orange; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Pale yellow to brownish orange
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified March 24, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale yellow to brownish orange; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks, particularly in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites. Natural citrine is rare; many specimens are produced by heat-treating amethyst or smoky quartz. Most Citrine is found in Cenozoic or Mesozoic era deposits.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry as a semi-precious gemstone. Also highly popular as a collector's specimen and in metaphysical practices (the 'merchant's stone').

Geological facts

Natural citrine is very rare. Most 'citrine' on the market today is actually heat-treated amethyst, which turns from purple to orange at roughly 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The name comes from the French word 'citron,' meaning lemon.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its crystal habit (six-sided prisms) and lack of cleavage. Natural specimens are often found in Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia. Unlike heat-treated versions which have a crumbly white base, natural citrine is usually color-consistent through the base.

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