mineral

Citrine Quartz

Citrine (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)

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

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Pale yellow to deep amber or smoky brown
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified March 20, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous and metamorphic environments, specifically in pegmatites and hydrothermally heated veins. Naturally occurring citrine is rare; many specimens are produced by heat-treating Amethyst or Smoky Quartz, a process that can happen naturally over millions of years or in a lab.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry (faceting and cabochons) and as a lapidary material. It is a popular 'healing crystal' in metaphysical circles and a sought-after specimen for mineral collectors.

Geological facts

Natural citrine is often called the 'Success Stone' or 'Merchant's Stone.' Unlike heat-treated amethyst (which often shows a bright orange or opaque white at the base), natural citrine usually has a uniform, pale yellow color and lacks distinct zoning.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. Natural specimens are found in Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia. Collectors should look for clarity and the absence of reddish-orange tints, which indicate man-made heat treatment.