mineral

Yellow Quartz (Citrine/Lemon Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale yellow to golden honey; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Pale yellow to golden honey
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified March 14, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale yellow to golden honey; 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 pegmatites and hydrothermal veins. Natural yellow quartz (Citrine) is often created when amethyst or smoky quartz is heated by geothermal processes, though many commercial specimens are heat-treated in labs.

Uses & applications

Primary use is in jewelry as a semi-precious gemstone. Also highly valued in the 'healing crystal' market and collected as mineral specimens.

Geological facts

Natural citrine is quite rare in nature compared to other quartz varieties; most commercial 'citrine' is actually heat-treated amethyst. It is known as the 'Success Stone' or 'Merchant's Stone' in various cultures, believed to bring prosperity.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass), absence of cleavage, and translucent yellow hue. Commonly found in Brazil, Madagascar, Russia, and the United States (Colorado/North Carolina). Collectors should look for steady saturation of color and clarity.

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