Mineral

Citrine (Yellow Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow to gold or honey-brown; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (Trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Yellow to gold or honey-brown
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified March 26, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow to gold or honey-brown; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (Trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks, particularly pegmatites. It is often created through the natural irradiation of smoky quartz or by thermal heating of amethyst within the earth over millions of years.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry as a gemstone and by mineral collectors. It is also historically significant in decorative arts and as a 'merchant's stone' in various cultural traditions.

Geological facts

Natural citrine is quite rare; most commercial citrine is actually heat-treated amethyst. It is one of the two birthstones for November and is often mistaken for yellow topaz despite differing chemical compositions.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. Look for specimens in areas with hydrothermal veins or granite pegmatites. Common locations include Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia.