mineral

Citrine (Heat-treated)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Orange to golden yellow, Luster: Vitreous (glassy), Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65

Identified July 6, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Orange to golden yellow, Luster: Vitreous (glassy), Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Natural citrine is rare and forms under intense heat in the earth. Most commercial citrine, like this specimen, is produced by heat-treating purple amethyst or smoky quartz until it turns orange-yellow. This process replicates natural geothermal heating.

Uses & applications

Widely used in jewelry (rings, pendants), as a birthstone (November), and highly valued by metaphysical collectors as a 'stone of manifestation' or 'success stone'.

Geological facts

The name comes from the French word 'citron', meaning lemon. While the orange color here suggests it was once amethyst, true natural citrine typically has a paler, smokier yellow hue.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. Look for the white-opaque base often seen in heat-treated amethyst clusters. Common production sources include Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia.