gemstone

Citrine Quartz (or Heat-Treated Amethyst / Smoky Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous (glass-like) luster, hexagonal crystal system, transparent to translucent brownish-yellow to golden-honey color, no cleavage, conchoidal fracture.

Identified July 24, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous (glass-like) luster, hexagonal crystal system, transparent to translucent brownish-yellow to golden-honey color, no cleavage, conchoidal fracture.

Formation & geological history

Natural citrine forms rare igneous pegmatites and hydrothermal veins. However, most commercial golden-yellow quartz pendants of this type are created by heat-treating amethyst or smoky quartz at high temperatures (around 450-900°F).

Uses & applications

Widely used in jewelry such as necklaces, pendants, rings, and earrings, as well as in holistic crystal healing, meditation, and decorative gemstone crafts.

Geological facts

Citrine is known as the 'Merchant's Stone' or 'Success Stone' in folklore due to its association with wealth and prosperity. Natural citrine is exceptionally rare compared to heat-treated varieties.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its transparent golden-brown or yellow-orange color and glass-like clarity when faceted or carved into point pendants. Natural specimens are commonly mined in Brazil, Madagascar, Russia, and Zambia.

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Diamond and Gold Jewelry

Carbon (Diamond) / Au (Gold)

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Ammolite

Ammolite (Biogenic Aragonite with trace elements; fossils of Placenticeras meeki and Placenticeras intercalare)

mineral

Cubic Zirconia (simulant) or Diamond

ZrO2 (Cubic Zirconia) or C (Diamond)

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Red Jasper

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite inclusions

sedimentary

Cubic Zirconia (or possibly Diamond)

Zirconium dioxide (or Carbon)

gemstone

Faceted Gemstone

Unknown transparent mineral, possibly Diamond (C), Cubic Zirconia (ZrO2), Quartz (SiO2), or Glass

gemstone