gemstone
Citrine
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with ferric iron impurities
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: transparent yellow to brownish-orange; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal system: Trigonal; Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- transparent yellow to brownish-orange
- Luster
- Vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: transparent yellow to brownish-orange; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal system: Trigonal; Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks, particularly geodes and pegmatites. Most commercial citrine is created by heat-treating amethyst or smoky quartz.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in jewelry (faceting, cabochons) and as a collector's mineral specimen. Associated with November birthstones.
Geological facts
Natural citrine is quite rare; most 'citrine' on the market is actually heat-treated amethyst, which turns golden-yellow at approximately 450 degrees Celsius.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its quartz-like luster and lack of cleavage. Look for 'color zoning' in natural stones. Commonly found in Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia.
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