mineral
Heat-Treated Amethyst (Commercial Citrine)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Deep honey-gold to burnt orange; Luster: Vitreous (glass-like); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Deep honey-gold to burnt orange
- Luster
- Vitreous (glass-like)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Deep honey-gold to burnt orange; Luster: Vitreous (glass-like); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed as amethyst in volcanic basalt or high-temperature hydrothermal veins. The deep orange color is artificially induced by heating amethyst geodes at approximately 300 to 560 degrees Celsius to change the oxidation state of iron impurities.
Uses & applications
Primarily used for home decor, metaphysical collecting, and costume jewelry. Highly popular in the 'healing crystal' market as a substitute for natural citrine.
Geological facts
Most commercial citrine sold today is actually heat-treated amethyst. You can distinguish it from natural citrine by its opaque white base and concentrated color at the crystal tips. Natural citrine is usually a pale, uniform lemon-yellow.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by checking the base: if it is white/milky quartz and has a druzy (clustered) structure, it is heat-treated. Found globally, but large commercial stock typically originates from Brazil and Uruguay.
