mineral

Citrine (Tumbled Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Pale yellow to golden honey; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65.

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

Identified June 28, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Pale yellow to golden honey; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous environments, primarily pegmatites and hydrothermal veins. Natural citrine is rare and often forms when amethyst or smoky quartz is subjected to natural geothermal heat over millions of years.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a gemstone in jewelry (rings, necklaces), as a decorative stone in home decor, and highly valued in crystal healing and collector circles.

Geological facts

Known as the 'Merchant's Stone,' it is believed to attract wealth. Most commercial citrine is actually heat-treated amethyst, which turns from purple to orange-yellow at high temperatures.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its transparency, lack of cleavage, and yellow hue. Natural specimens are often found in Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia. Unlike fake citrine, heat-treated amethyst usually has white, opaque bases.