mineral

Citrine

Yellow Quartz (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Pale yellow to deep amber-orange; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 Mohs
Color: Pale yellow to deep amber-orange
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified March 27, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Pale yellow to deep amber-orange; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks, particularly in hydrothermal veins and geodes. Naturally occurring citrine is rare and results from traces of iron in quartz. Most commercial citrine is heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz.

Uses & applications

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

Geological facts

Citrine is known as the 'Success Stone' or 'Merchant's Stone.' It is the birthstone for November. Natural honey-colored citrine is much rarer than the 'burnt orange' variety created by heating amethyst.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (scratches glass) and lack of cleavage. Note that natural citrine has a pleochroic effect (color changes slightly at different angles), while heat-treated quartz typically does not. Common locations include Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia.