mineral

Citrine Quartz

Crystalline Quartz (SiO2 with iron impurities)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale yellow to golden honey; Luster: Vitreous (glass-like); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Pale yellow to golden honey
Luster: Vitreous (glass-like)

Identified March 24, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale yellow to golden honey; Luster: Vitreous (glass-like); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous (pegmatites) or metamorphic rocks when iron impurities in quartz are heated. Natural citrine is rare; most commercial citrine is heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz.

Uses & applications

Popular in jewelry as a semi-precious gemstone, industrial use as a source of high-purity silica, and highly valued in crystal healing and metaphysical collecting.

Geological facts

Known as the 'Merchant's Stone' because it was believed to attract wealth. Genuine natural citrine is dichroic, showing different colors when viewed from different angles, unlike heat-treated versions.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (cannot be scratched by steel) and lack of cleavage. Look for a greasy to glassy luster and uniform translucent quality. Commonly found in Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral

Epidote

Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)

mineral