mineral
Citrine (Heat-Treated Amethyst)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
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
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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.
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