mineral

Citrine quartz crystal cluster

Quartz, SiO₂; likely iron-colored citrine, possibly heat-treated amethyst

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; transparent to translucent honey-yellow, with vitreous luster and hexagonal quartz crystals. Quartz has no cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and specific gravity about 2.65; the white matrix appears to be milky quartz or calcite.

Identified August 17, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Citrine forms when iron impurities color quartz during hydrothermal or igneous processes; natural citrine is relatively uncommon, while much commercial material is heat-treated amethyst. Crystals commonly formed in cavities of volcanic rocks, generally from Paleozoic to Cenozoic hydrothermal settings.

Uses & applications

Used as a decorative mineral specimen and gemstone; quartz is also important in glass, electronics, abrasives, and construction. This cabinet-sized cluster is primarily collectible rather than industrial.

Geological facts

The orange-yellow color is caused by iron-related defects. Strongly orange material with an amethyst-like crystal habit may be heat-treated amethyst rather than natural citrine.

Field identification & locations

Identify by testing hardness against glass, observing hexagonal crystal faces, and checking for quartz’s lack of cleavage; acids can distinguish any calcite matrix. Common sources include Brazil, Madagascar, Uruguay, and Zambia.