mineral

Citrine Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow to brownish-orange; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Yellow to brownish-orange
Luster: Vitreous

Identified June 17, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow to brownish-orange; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks, specifically within geodes or mineral veins. Natural citrine is rare and typically forms when amethyst or smoky quartz is subjected to geothermal heat over millions of years.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a gemstone in jewelry (rings, pendants, earrings), as a collector's specimen, and in holistic practices as a 'success stone'.

Geological facts

Most commercial 'citrine' is actually heat-treated amethyst. Natural citrine is dichroic, meaning it shows different colors when viewed from different angles, whereas heat-treated specimens often lack this property and have more opaque white bases.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), glass-like luster, and absence of cleavage. Found commonly in Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia. Collectors look for clarity and the even distribution of golden hues.

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Mineral/Rock

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Metamorphic Rock

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mineral