mineral
Citrine
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Pale yellow to brownish orange; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- Pale yellow to brownish orange
- Luster
- Vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Pale yellow to brownish orange; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in igneous and metamorphic environments, specifically in pegmatites or hydrothermal veins. Most commercial citrine is actually heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz.
Uses & applications
Popular in jewelry, gemstone collecting, and holistic practices. Historically used to decorate weapons and as a gemstone for talismans.
Geological facts
Natural citrine is quite rare; most 'citrine' found in shops is amethyst that has been heat-treated to change its color from purple to orange-yellow.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its yellow hue and quartz-like transparency. Often found in Brazil, Spain, and Madagascar. Natural citrine lacks the distinctive white base often seen in heat-treated amethyst.
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Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic