mineral

Citrine Quartz

Crystalline Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Ferric Iron impurities

Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale. Color: Pale yellow to honey-brown. Luster: Vitreous (glassy). Crystal Structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal (terminates in a point). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale
Color: Pale yellow to honey-brown
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified March 30, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks, particularly in pegmatites and hydrothermal veins. Natural citrine is rare and results from the heating of amethyst or smoky quartz by nearby magma or geothermal activity. Geological age varies by deposit, ranging from millions to billions of years old.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry (faceting and cabochons), metaphysical healing practices, and as mineral specimens for collectors. In industry, quartz is used for its piezoelectric properties, though citrine specifically is valued for its aesthetics.

Geological facts

Natural citrine is extremely rare; most commercial citrine is actually heat-treated amethyst. It is known as the 'Merchant's Stone' in folklore and is the birthstone for November. Unlike most minerals, it does not hold or accumulate negative energy according to metaphysical beliefs.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its six-sided crystal habit, lack of cleavage, and ability to scratch glass. Natural citrine shows a uniform color or faint zoning, whereas heat-treated specimens often have white bases. Found commonly in Brazil, Madagascar, Spain, and Russia.

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