mineral

Citrine

Citrine (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: yellow to brownish-orange; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal system: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: yellow to brownish-orange
Luster: Vitreous

Identified July 21, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: yellow to brownish-orange; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal system: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous and metamorphic environments, specifically in pegmatites or hydrothermal veins. Natural citrine is rare and results from the presence of iron impurities in quartz that are naturally irradiated or heated over geological timescales.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry as a gemstone and as a popular specimen for mineral collectors. Often marketed as a 'success stone' in metaphysical circles.

Geological facts

Natural citrine is quite rare in nature; most commercial citrine is actually heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz. The color is caused by colloidal iron particles.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its quartz-like glassy luster and absence of cleavage. In the field, look for hexagonal crystal habits in hydrothermal veins. Key locations include Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia.