mineral

Citrine

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow to brownish-orange; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65.

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

Identified May 9, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow to brownish-orange; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed as a macrocrystalline variety of quartz, often in magmatic or hydrothermal environments. Natural citrine is rare and typically found in geodes or veins.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry (faceting and cabochons) and as a popular gemstone for collectors and metaphysical practices.

Geological facts

Most commercial citrine is actually heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz. Natural citrine is rare and typically shows a paler yellow color rather than the deep reddish-orange seen in treated stones.

Field identification & locations

Look for the lack of cleavage and honey-yellow to orange transparency. In the field, it is most often found in Brazil, Spain, and Madagascar. Collectors should check for pleochroism to differentiate from glass or dyed stones.