mineral
Citrine (Heat-Treated Amethyst)
Quartz (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous (glassy) luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, bright golden-yellow to orange color, specific gravity ~2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous (glassy) luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, bright golden-yellow to orange color, specific gravity ~2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed when natural amethyst or smoky quartz is subjected to high heat (either artificially in kilns or naturally via hydrothermal or igneous activity), altering the iron impurities and changing the color to golden yellow.
Uses & applications
Widely used as a birthstone for November, in wire-wrapping, jewelry making, lapidary art, and popular among mineral collectors and metaphysical enthusiasts.
Geological facts
Most commercial 'citrine' on the market is actually heat-treated amethyst. Natural citrine is usually paler yellow and less burnt-orange, forming very rarely compared to amethyst.
Field identification & locations
Look for a bright, saturated yellow-orange color with fractured internal veining. Found in major quartz-producing regions like Brazil, Madagascar, and Uruguay.
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