mineral

Citrine

SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide)

Hardness: 7; Color: Pale yellow to golden honey; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal prism; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7
Color: Pale yellow to golden honey
Luster: Vitreous

Identified June 28, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7; Color: Pale yellow to golden honey; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal prism; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Citrine is a variety of quartz that occurs when amethyst or smoky quartz is naturally heated deep within the Earth, or more commonly through hydrothermal processes in igneous or metamorphic rocks.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in jewelry as a gemstone, high-quality specimens are popular for crystal collecting and metaphysical purposes.

Geological facts

Natural citrine is quite rare; most commercial citrine is actually heat-treated amethyst. It is known as the 'Success Stone' or 'Merchant's Stone' in folklore.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (scratches glass) and lack of cleavage. Found in Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia. Natural citrine is usually pale yellow while heat-treated versions often show reddish tints.