mineral
Orange Quartz (or Citrine Quartz)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Orange to peach; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (hexagonal prisms); Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Orange to peach
- Luster
- Vitreous
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Explore Orange Quartz (or Citrine Quartz) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Orange to peach; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (hexagonal prisms); Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks, often in pegmatite veins or hydrothermal vents. The orange color generally results from iron impurities or natural/artificial irradiation.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in jewelry, lapidary arts, and as a healing crystal in metaphysical practices. Also used in industrial glassmaking and electronics.
Geological facts
Natural citrine is rare; most bright orange quartz on the market is actually heat-treated amethyst. Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (must scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. Found globally, with significant deposits in Brazil, Madagascar, and the United States.
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sedimentary
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Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
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Schist
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Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
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Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic