mineral
Citrine
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 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
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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 granitic pegmatites and hydrothermal veins. Often created naturally through geothermal heat or industrially by heat-treating amethyst.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry (faceting, beads), decorative carvings, and as a popular specimen for crystal collectors.
Geological facts
Citrine is often called the 'Merchants Stone' because it is believed to attract wealth. Genuine natural citrine is quite rare; most commercial citrine is actually heat-treated amethyst.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its glassy luster and lack of cleavage. In the field, look for hexagonal prisms in pegmatite deposits. It is commonly found in Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia.
