mineral
Citrine Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale yellow to golden brown; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pale yellow to golden brown
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale yellow to golden brown; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins or as a secondary mineral in igneous rocks like granite and pegmatites through the natural irradiation of quartz or heating of amethyst. Most commercial Citrine is heat-treated amethyst.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in jewelry as a gemstone, as well as in crystal healing practices and mineral collections.
Geological facts
Citrine is known as the 'Success Stone' or 'Merchant's Stone' in folklore. It is the birthstone for November. Natural citrine is rare; the majority of the market is heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its yellow-to-amber color and quartz-like transparency. It will scratch glass easily but cannot be scratched by a steel knife. Found commonly in Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia.
