mineral

Citrine

Silicon Dioxide (Quartz variety), SiO2

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow, brownish-yellow, orange, or amber; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Yellow, brownish-yellow, orange, or amber
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified July 31, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow, brownish-yellow, orange, or amber; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, particularly within pegmatites and hydrothermal veins, often resulting from the natural or heat-treated irradiation of iron-bearing smoky quartz.

Uses & applications

Widely used in fine jewelry, as a popular gemstone, in ornamental carvings, and in metaphysical practices as a stone of abundance.

Geological facts

Natural citrine is quite rare; the vast majority of citrine on the market is actually heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz. Its yellow color is caused by trace amounts of iron impurities.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its distinctive yellow-to-orange color and standard quartz crystal habit. Found worldwide, with notable deposits in Brazil, Madagascar, Russia, and the USA.