Citrine Quartz

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Typically golden yellow to brownish-orange, can be pale yellow to almost colorless; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None, exhibits conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Citrine is a variety of quartz. It forms hydrothermally in igneous and metamorphic rocks, particularly in pegmatites and granites, as well as in hydrothermal veins. The golden color is due to traces of iron that are naturally present or induced through heat-treatment. Natural citrine typically forms over millions of years under specific geological conditions, deep within the Earth's crust.

Predominantly used in jewelry due to its attractive golden color and durability, often used in rings, necklaces, and pendants. Also popular in ornamental carvings and as a collector's mineral specimen. Its metaphysical properties also make it popular in crystal healing.

Citrine is often confused with Topaz, and in the past, some citrine was sold as 'Brazilian Topaz.' Natural citrine is actually quite rare. Most commercial citrine is heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz. The iron impurities within the quartz are altered by heat to produce the golden color. Citrine is also known as the 'merchant's stone' or 'success stone' and is often associated with prosperity and abundance.

To identify citrine in the field, look for its distinctive golden to yellowish-orange color and glassy luster. It can be found in geodes and pegmatite pockets. Its hardness of 7 means it can scratch glass. Natural citrine is much rarer than heat-treated material, so clarity and inclusion patterns can help distinguish natural from treated specimens (natural citrine often has a more uniform color and fewer inclusions). Major sources include Brazil (especially Rio Grande do Sul), Bolivia, Russia, France, Madagascar, and the USA.