mineral
Citrine
SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow to brownish orange; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Yellow to brownish orange
- Luster
- Vitreous
Identified More mineral →
Explore Citrine in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow to brownish orange; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous and metamorphic rocks, particularly in pegmatites and hydrothermal veins. Natural citrine is rare and most commercial citrine is heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz.
Uses & applications
Mainly used in jewelry as a gemstone, and popular among crystal collectors for metaphysical and aesthetic purposes.
Geological facts
Citrine is known as the 'Success Stone' or 'Merchant's Stone' in folklore. Natural citrine is pale yellow, while heat-treated amethyst usually has a deep orange-red tint and opaque white base.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass) and lack of cleavage. Can be found in Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia. Collectors should look for uniform color and clarity.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous