gemstone
Citrine
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs), Color: Pale yellow to brownish orange, Luster: Vitreous, Crystal structure: Trigonal (Hexagonal), Cleavage: None, Specific gravity: 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs), Color: Pale yellow to brownish orange, Luster: Vitreous, Crystal structure: Trigonal (Hexagonal), Cleavage: None, Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous rocks (pegmatites) or metamorphic environments. Natural citrine is rare and often forms when amethyst or smoky quartz is naturally heated by nearby magma.
Uses & applications
Primary use is in jewelry as a faceted gemstone. It is also a popular collector's mineral and used in holistic practices.
Geological facts
Citrine is known as the 'Success Stone' or 'Merchant's Stone' in folklore. Most citrine on the market is actually heat-treated amethyst, which takes on a bright orange or reddish hue when baked at high temperatures.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its clarity, lack of cleavage, and yellow-to-amber color. In the field, look for hexagonal crystal prisms in quartz-rich veins. Common locations include Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia.
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