mineral

Citrine

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow to golden-orange; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Yellow to golden-orange
Luster: Vitreous

Identified May 10, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow to golden-orange; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks, particularly granite and pegmatites. Natural citrine is rare and usually results from the heat-treatment of amethyst or smoky quartz millions of years ago, or by modern artificial heating.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry as a gemstone and by collectors. Also used for ornamental carvings and in holistic practices.

Geological facts

Citrine is known as the 'Success Stone' or 'Merchant's Stone.' It is the birthstone for November. Most commercial citrine is actually heat-treated amethyst, which turns yellow when heated to approximately 900 degrees Fahrenheit.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. Look for transparent to translucent yellow crystals in quartz veins. Natural citrine is pale yellow, while heat-treated material is often reddish-orange.