mineral
Quartz (Yellow/Citrine variety)
Crystalline Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale yellow to golden brown; Luster: Vitreous/glassy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pale yellow to golden brown
- Luster
- Vitreous/glassy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale yellow to golden brown; Luster: Vitreous/glassy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks, as well as in hydrothermal veins. Yellow varieties often occur when amethyst or smoky quartz is naturally heated by geothermal activity.
Uses & applications
Used in jewelry, crystal healing, watch making (piezoelectric properties), and glass manufacturing.
Geological facts
Natural yellow citrine is relatively rare; most commercial citrine is actually heat-treated amethyst. It is known as the 'Success Stone' in folklore.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and translucent yellow color. Commonly found in Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous