mineral

Citrine (Heat-Treated Amethyst)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: honey-yellow to orange-brown; Luster: vitreous; Crystal structure: hexagonal/trigonal; Cleavage: none; Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: honey-yellow to orange-brown
Luster: vitreous

Identified July 1, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: honey-yellow to orange-brown; Luster: vitreous; Crystal structure: hexagonal/trigonal; Cleavage: none; Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed as amethyst in volcanic geodes but subsequently heat-treated by humans to simulate natural citrine. Natural citrine forms in igneous and metamorphic rocks under specific high-temperature conditions.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in jewelry, crystal healing, and as decorative display specimens for collectors.

Geological facts

Most commercial 'citrine' is actually amethyst that has been kiln-fired at high temperatures. True natural citrine is rare and usually a pale, uniform yellow rather than honey-orange.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its orange-burnt tips and white base (typical of heat-treated clusters). Field identification involves checking for quartz crystal habits and hardness.