mineral

Raw Citrine

Citrine (Silicon Dioxide - SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Pale yellow to golden honey; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: Pale yellow to golden honey
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified March 14, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Pale yellow to golden honey; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed as a macrocrystalline variety of quartz. It develops in pegmatites and hydrothermally where heat or natural irradiation influences trace elements like iron in the crystal lattice. Most commercial samples are heated amethyst, but natural specimens date back millions of years within granitic rocks.

Uses & applications

Predominantly used in jewelry as a semi-precious gemstone. It is also a popular collector's mineral and is widely used in holistic practices and 'metaphysical' collections.

Geological facts

Natural citrine is quite rare; most 'citrine' in the trade is actually heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz. You can often tell the difference because heat-treated specimens have a reddish tint and white, opaque bases.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. In the field, look for hexagonal prisms in igneous cavities. Look for uniform color distribution to determine if it is likely natural rather than heat-treated.