mineral

Quartz (Citrine variety)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale yellow to brownish orange; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Pale yellow to brownish orange
Luster: Vitreous

Identified June 1, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale yellow to brownish orange; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Forms in igneous rocks like pegmatites and in hydrothermal veins. Natural citrine is rare and usually formed by the geothermal heating of amethyst or smoky quartz over millions of years.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry as a gemstone, as well as in crystal healing practices and mineral collections.

Geological facts

Most commercial 'citrine' is actually heat-treated amethyst. Real natural citrine is dichroic, meaning it shows different colors when viewed from different angles.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (scratches glass) and lack of cleavage. Common in Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia. Collectors look for clarity and natural (not heat-treated) saturated color.