mineral

Citrine (Heat-Treated)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Pale yellow to deep amber/burnt orange; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: Pale yellow to deep amber/burnt orange
Luster: Vitreous

Identified July 12, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Pale yellow to deep amber/burnt orange; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Most commercial citrine is created by heat-treating Amethyst or Smoky Quartz (usually at 470°C or higher). Natural citrine is rare and forms in magmatic or hydrothermal environments. The specimen shown appears to be a heat-treated amethyst crystal fragment.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in jewelry as a gemstone, in ornamental carvings, and widely collected by mineral enthusiasts and practitioners of metaphysical healing.

Geological facts

Citrine is known as the 'Success Stone' or 'Merchant's Stone.' Natural citrine is actually dichroic, meaning it shows different colors from different angles, whereas heat-treated specimens usually do not.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its yellow-to-orange color and quartz-like transparency. In the field, look for a lack of cleavage and 'burnt' orange tips if it is heat-treated amethyst. Primarily sourced from Brazil and Madagascar.