mineral

Citrine (Heat-treated Amethyst)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Honey-yellow to reddish-orange; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal system: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Honey-yellow to reddish-orange
Luster: Vitreous

Identified July 12, 2026More mineral →

Explore Citrine (Heat-treated Amethyst) in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Honey-yellow to reddish-orange; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal system: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in pegmatites or hydrothermal veins. While natural citrine exists, most commercial specimens (like this one) are created by heat-treating purple Amethyst or Smoky Quartz to change its color state.

Uses & applications

Popular in jewelry, holistic practices, and as a decorative mineral specimen for collectors.

Geological facts

Citrine is known as the 'Success Stone' or 'Merchant's Stone' in folklore. Natural citrine is rare; heat-treated versions are identified by their white bases and concentrated burnt-orange tips.

Field identification & locations

Found globally in areas with quartz deposits like Brazil and Madagascar. Identifying features include its hardness (scratches glass) and lack of cleavage. Look for the 'burnt' orange color transition.