mineral

Citrine (Yellow Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 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)

Identified July 23, 2026More mineral →

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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.