mineral

Citrine Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with ferric iron impurities

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 May 9, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

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 in igneous and metamorphic rocks, particularly granite and gneiss. Natural citrine forms when amethyst or smoky quartz is subjected to intense geothermal heat over millions of years.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a gemstone in jewelry (rings, pendants) and for metaphysical/collecting purposes due to its association with 'abundance'.

Geological facts

Natural citrine is quite rare; most 'citrine' in the commercial market is actually heat-treated amethyst. Known as the 'Merchant's Stone' in folklore.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (scratches glass) and lack of cleavage. Natural specimens often have a uniform color, whereas heat-treated ones may show white opaque bases or reddish tints.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral

Epidote

Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)

mineral