gemstone
Citrine
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Pale yellow to brownish orange; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (hexagonal prisms); Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- Pale yellow to brownish orange
- Luster
- Vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Pale yellow to brownish orange; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (hexagonal prisms); Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in igneous or metamorphic environments when quartz contains traces of iron. Natural citrine is rare; many commercial specimens are heat-treated amethyst.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in jewelry (rings, pendants), as a decorative tumbled stone, and in metabolic/holistic practices.
Geological facts
Citrine is known as the 'Merchant's Stone' and is the birthstone for November. Most commercial citrine is actually heat-treated amethyst, which turns orange-yellow at approx 450°C.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its yellow-to-amber color and lack of cleavage. Look for a glassy luster. Heat-treated versions often show concentrated color at the base; natural citrine is more uniform.
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