mineral

Citrine

Silicon Dioxide (Quartz variety), SiO2

Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale; yellow, orange, or amber-brown color; vitreous luster; trigonal crystal system; conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage; specific gravity of 2.65.

Identified July 28, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale; yellow, orange, or amber-brown color; vitreous luster; trigonal crystal system; conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage; specific gravity of 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Forms naturally through the hydrothermal growth of quartz with trace amounts of iron impurity, or more commonly through the heat treatment of low-grade amethyst or smoky quartz. Found in pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and sedimentary rocks globally.

Uses & applications

Widely used as a popular gemstone in jewelry, decorative carvings, and valued by mineral collectors for its warm, sunny colors.

Geological facts

Natural citrine is relatively rare compared to heat-treated amethyst, which makes up the vast majority of commercial citrine on the market. Its name is derived from the French word 'citron', meaning lemon.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its distinctive yellow to orange color, high hardness (scratches glass), and conchoidal fracture. Often found in Brazil, Madagascar, Russia, and the United States.