mineral
Citrine Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Yellow to brownish-orange; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Yellow to brownish-orange
- Luster
- Vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Yellow to brownish-orange; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous and metamorphic environments, specifically in pegmatites and hydrothermal veins when iron impurities within quartz are heated naturally by geothermal activity.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry (faceting and cabochons), as decorative display points for collectors, and in the lapidary arts.
Geological facts
Citrine is often called the 'Merchant's Stone' and is the birthstone for November. Natural honey-colored citrine is rare; much commercial citrine is actually heat-treated amethyst.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and yellow-gold clarity. Commonly found in Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous