mineral
Citrine Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 (Mohs), Color: pale yellow to golden brown, Luster: vitreous (glassy), Crystal System: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture, Specific Gravity: 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs), Color: pale yellow to golden brown, Luster: vitreous (glassy), Crystal System: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture, Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in igneous and metamorphic environments, specifically in pegmatites or hydrothermal veins where silica-rich fluids cool. Natural citrine gets its color from ferric iron impurities.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a semi-precious gemstone in jewelry (rings, pendants) and widely collected for metaphysical purposes or mineral displays.
Geological facts
Natural citrine is rare; most commercial citrine is actually heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz, which turns a bright orange-yellow when baked.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), glassy luster, and lack of cleavage. Often found in Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia. Look for iron-stained quartz crystals in quartz veins.
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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
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
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary