mineral

Citrine

Citrine (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow to brownish orange; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (hexagonal prisms); Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Yellow to brownish orange
Luster: Vitreous

Identified July 7, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: 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 and metamorphic environments, specifically in pegmatites or hydrothermal veins. Natural citrine involves the presence of trace amounts of aluminum or iron combined with natural irradiation within the earth.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a gemstone in jewelry, decorative carvings, and as a popular specimen for crystal collecting and metaphysical purposes.

Geological facts

Natural citrine is quite rare; most commercial citrine is actually heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz. It is known as the 'Success Stone' or 'Merchant's Stone' in various cultures and is the birthstone for November.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hexagonal crystal habit and lack of cleavage. In tumbled form, natural citrine usually appears as a pale, uniform yellow, whereas heat-treated amethyst often shows a burnt orange color with white base patches.