mineral

Heat-Treated Citrine

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Burnt orange, brownish-amber, or golden yellow; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal (often appearing as jagged aggregate points); Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: Burnt orange, brownish-amber, or golden yellow
Luster: Vitreous

Identified July 3, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed by artificially heating low-grade purple amethyst to high temperatures (approx. 300 to 560 degrees Celsius). Natural citrine is rare and formed via geothermal heat over millions of years, typically in igneous environments.

Uses & applications

Predominantly used as decorative display specimens, inexpensive jewelry (birthstones), and in metaphysical practices where it is known as the 'Success Stone'.

Geological facts

Most commercial citrine sold today, including this specimen, is actually amethyst that has been heat-treated in a furnace. You can tell it is heat-treated by the concentrated orange color at the tips and the stark white opaque base.

Field identification & locations

Identify by looking for a 'burnt' orange color rather than the pale lemony-yellow of natural citrine. In the field, look for hexagonal prisms. Common locations for the amethyst source material include Brazil and Uruguay.

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