mineral

Citrine Quartz / Iron-stained Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

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)

Identified July 11, 2026More mineral →

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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.