mineral

Citrine (Raw)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Pale yellow to golden honey; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 Mohs
Color: Pale yellow to golden honey
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified July 19, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Pale yellow to golden honey; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Citrine is a variety of quartz that develops its yellow color from colloidal iron hydroxides or ferric iron. It forms in igneous and metamorphic rocks, particularly in pegmatites and hydrothermal veins. Natural citrine is rare; many commercial specimens are heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz.

Uses & applications

Mainly used as a gemstone in jewelry, for ornamental carvings, and by crystal collectors for its aesthetic and perceived metaphysical properties. It is also the birthstone for November.

Geological facts

Natural citrine is much rarer than its namesake, heat-treated amethyst. When amethyst is heated to about 482°C (900°F), it turns into a vibrant orange-yellow color often sold as 'citrine'. Natural citrine is usually a much paler, smoky yellow.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and yellow color. In the field, look for hexagonal prismatic crystals in quartz veins. Common sources include Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia.