mineral
Citrine
Citrine (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 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 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: 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.
