mineral
Citrine (Yellow Quartz)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow to golden-orange; Luster: Vitreous (glass-like); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Yellow to golden-orange
- Luster
- Vitreous (glass-like)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow to golden-orange; Luster: Vitreous (glass-like); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous rocks, particularly pegmatites, as well as hydrothermal veins. Yellow coloration is typically due to sub-microscopic iron particles or heat treatment of amethyst/smoky quartz.
Uses & applications
Popular in jewelry, lapidary art, crystal healing, and mineral collections.
Geological facts
Natural citrine is quite rare; most commercial citrine on the market is actually heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz. It is known as the 'Merchant's Stone' due to associations with wealth and prosperity.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its yellow color, hardness (scratches glass, cannot be scratched by a steel blade), and glassy luster. Often collected as tumbled stones, stream pebbles, or faceted gems. Found in Brazil, Madagascar, Russia, and Zambia.
