mineral
Citrine
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: pale yellow to golden amber; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- pale yellow to golden amber
- Luster
- Vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: pale yellow to golden amber; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed in igneous or metamorphic environments when amethyst or smoky quartz is subjected to extreme heat. Natural citrine is rare and often forms in pegmatites or hydrothermal veins.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in jewelry as a gemstone, for decorative lapidary work, and extensively in crystal collecting.
Geological facts
Most citrine sold today is actually heat-treated amethyst. Natural citrine is rare and typically has a pale yellow, translucent appearance rather than the opaque orange-red of treated specimens.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and yellow color. Found globally but major sources include Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia. Used as a birthstone for November.
