mineral

Heat-Treated Citrine

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Pale golden-yellow to deep orange-brown; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: Pale golden-yellow to deep orange-brown
Luster: Vitreous

Identified July 4, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Pale golden-yellow to deep orange-brown; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed commercially by heating Amethyst (purple quartz) to high temperatures (approx. 400-500 degrees Celsius) to change its oxidation state. Naturally occurring citrine is extremely rare.

Uses & applications

Used widely in jewelry, crystal healing practices, and as a decorative collector's specimen due to its affordability compared to natural citrine.

Geological facts

Most citrine sold on the market today is actually heat-treated amethyst. You can tell it is heat-treated by the presence of internal white snowy quartz centers and a more 'burnt' orange or reddish hue rather than the uniform pale yellow of natural citrine.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by looking for quartz with yellow-to-orange coloration. In the market, look for concentrated color at the tips of points and white opaque bases. Naturally occurring citrine is often found in Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia.