mineral
Citrine Quartz / Iron-stained Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow, orange-brown, or amber; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Yellow, orange-brown, or amber
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow, orange-brown, or amber; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).
Formation & geological history
Formed in igneous (pegmatites) or metamorphic environments. Natural citrine is rare and typically forms when amethyst or smoky quartz is heated by nearby magmatic activity. Most commercial 'citrine' is heat-treated amethyst.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a gemstone in jewelry, decorative carvings, and as a popular 'healing' stone in metaphysical communities.
Geological facts
Citrine is known as the 'Success Stone' or 'Merchant's Stone' in folklore. It is one of the few minerals that is naturally resistant to fading in sunlight, although heat-treated versions may behave differently.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. In the field, look for vitreous luster and yellow to amber hues within quartz veins. Found in Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia.
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Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock