mineral
Citrine Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with ferric iron impurities
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Pale yellow to golden-brown; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- Pale yellow to golden-brown
- Luster
- Vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Pale yellow to golden-brown; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks, particularly in pegmatites and hydrothermal veins. Natural citrine is rare; many commercial specimens are heat-treated amethyst.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in jewelry as a gemstone, in crystal healing practices, and as a popular collector's mineral.
Geological facts
Natural citrine is often called the 'Merchant's Stone' or 'Success Stone' in folklore. It is the birthstone for November. Most commercial citrine is actually heat-treated amethyst, which turns from purple to orange at temperatures around 450-900 degrees Fahrenheit.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its hexagonal crystal habit, lack of cleavage, and yellow-to-amber color. Look for it in quartz-rich veins. Natural citrine is typically pale yellow, while heat-treated versions often have a more reddish-orange or opaque white base.
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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
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sedimentary
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Metamorphic
Epidote
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metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous