mineral
Heat-Treated Citrine (Amethyst-based)
Quartz (Silicon Dioxide) - SiO2
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Burnt orange to amber with white opaque bases. Luster: Vitreous (glassy). Crystal structure: Hexagonal (trigonal) prisms. Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific gravity: 2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Burnt orange to amber with white opaque bases
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Burnt orange to amber with white opaque bases. Luster: Vitreous (glassy). Crystal structure: Hexagonal (trigonal) prisms. Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific gravity: 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed as Amethyst in hydrothermal veins or geodes. The specimen shown has undergone artificial heat treatment (accelerated metamorphic-style processing) to turn purple iron impurities into orange/amber hues. Naturally occurs primarily in Brazil and Uruguay.
Uses & applications
Predominantly used for decorative home decor, metaphysical/healing crystal collections, and affordable costume jewelry as a substitute for rare natural citrine.
Geological facts
Most commercially available 'Citrine' is actually heat-treated Amethyst. You can tell because natural citrine is usually a pale, uniform lemony-yellow, whereas heat-treated specimens have concentrated burnt-orange tips and stark white bases.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by checking for the 'burnt' orange color concentrated at crystal tips and a lack of pleochroism. Found globally in quartz-rich geologic environments, though the majority of marketed pieces are processed in Brazil.
