mineral
Heat-Treated Amethyst (Citrine Geode)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Burnt orange to honey-brown; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Burnt orange to honey-brown
- Luster
- Vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Burnt orange to honey-brown; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed as amethyst in gas cavities within volcanic basalt flows (primarily in Brazil). The orange color is a result of humans heating the natural amethyst at high temperatures (approx 450-550°C) to alter the iron oxidation state.
Uses & applications
Decorative home decor, metaphysical collection, and low-cost jewelry alternative to natural citrine.
Geological facts
Most commercially available 'Citrine' geodes are actually heat-treated amethyst. Natural citrine is rare and typically forms as individual pale yellow crystals rather than large 'cathedral' geodes.
Field identification & locations
Identify by the opaque white base and concentrated burnt orange tips. Natural citrine tends to be a more uniform, pale champagne or smoky yellow. Commonly found in rock shops and crystal galleries.
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