mineral

Heat-Treated Citrine (Amethyst Cathedral with Agate inclusions)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Burnt orange to amber-brown; Luster: Vitreous/glassy; Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: Burnt orange to amber-brown
Luster: Vitreous/glassy

Identified March 18, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Burnt orange to amber-brown; Luster: Vitreous/glassy; Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed as amethyst in volcanic gas cavities (geodes) within basalt. This specimen has been artificially heat-treated to change the purple amethyst to an orange color. Primary deposits are found in the Paraná Basin, southern Brazil, dating to the Cretaceous period.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as decorative home decor, metaphysical healing stones, cabinet specimens for collectors, and occasionally cut into cabochons for jewelry.

Geological facts

Natural citrine is rare and usually a pale yellow; about 90% of commercial 'citrine' is heat-treated amethyst. The white/blue rounded spots are 'agate eyes' or 'flower' inclusions where chalcedony filled parts of the cavity before quartz crystallization.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its 'burnt' orange color, opaque white base (the rind), and the presence of small, druzy crystal points. Frequently sold as 'Citrine Cathedrals' or 'Citrine Geodes' at gem shows and metaphysical shops.

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