mineral

Citrine Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Yellow, honey, or brownish-yellow; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale
Color: Yellow, honey, or brownish-yellow
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified May 9, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins and igneous rocks (pegmatites). While natural citrine is rare and results from traces of iron in the quartz lattice, many commercial pieces are heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz.

Uses & applications

Widely used in jewelry (faceting and cabochons), crystal healing, and as a popular collector's mineral.

Geological facts

Citrine is known as the 'Success Stone' or 'Merchant's Stone' in folklore. Natural citrine is pale yellow, whereas deep orange versions are typically heat-treated by humans to mimic the rare orange variety.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. Look for internal fractures and iron staining. Commonly found in Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia.