mineral

Citrine Quartz Cluster

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Pale yellow to golden honey. Luster: Vitreous (glass-like). Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal. Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Pale yellow to golden honey
Luster: Vitreous (glass-like)

Identified July 4, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Pale yellow to golden honey. Luster: Vitreous (glass-like). Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal. Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Natural citrine forms in igneous and metamorphic rocks under intense heat. However, most bright yellow clusters seen commercially are heat-treated Amethyst or Smoky Quartz. This specimen's pale yellow hue and cluster structure suggest it is likely a laboratory-enhanced or heat-treated variety of quartz.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in jewelry making, crystal healing practices, and as decorative collector specimens. In industry, high-quality quartz is used for the manufacture of precision electronics and glass.

Geological facts

Citrine is known as the 'Success Stone' or 'Merchant's Stone' in folklore. Natural citrine is actually quite rare; most of the vibrant orange-yellow pieces on the market were originally purple amethyst that was heated to approximately 900 degrees Fahrenheit.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (cannot be scratched by steel) and lack of cleavage. In the field, look for volcanic geodes or hydrothermal veins. Common locations include Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia.