mineral

Citrine

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Pale yellow to golden-orange; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/None; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: Pale yellow to golden-orange
Luster: Vitreous

Identified February 1, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Pale yellow to golden-orange; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/None; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks, particularly pegmatites and quartz veins. Natural citrine occurs when amethyst or smoky quartz is heated by nearby magmatic activity over geological time.

Uses & applications

Primary use is in jewelry and as a gemstone. It is also a popular specimen for mineral collectors and is used in crystal healing or metaphysical practices as the 'Success Stone'.

Geological facts

Naturally occurring citrine is rare; most citrine on the market is actually heat-treated amethyst. Natural citrine displays dichroism (different colors from different angles), whereas treated quartz usually does not.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its lack of cleavage and its conchoidal (shell-like) fracture. Found commonly in Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia. Natural specimens tend to be pale yellow rather than the deep burnt-orange of treated stones.

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