mineral

Citrine

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Mohs hardness: 7; Color: Yellow to brownish-orange; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal system: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct; Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7
Color: Yellow to brownish-orange
Luster: Vitreous

Identified May 24, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Mohs hardness: 7; Color: Yellow to brownish-orange; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal system: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct; Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks, particularly geodes and pegmatites. Naturally occurring citrine is rare and usually results from the geothermal heating of amethyst or smoky quartz over millions of years.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry as a gemstone, as well as in crystal healing and as a collector's specimen.

Geological facts

Citrine is known as the 'Success Stone' or 'Merchant's Stone' in folklore. Most commercial citrine is actually heat-treated amethyst, which turns yellow-orange at temperatures around 450 degrees Celsius.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its yellow color and lack of visible cleavage. Natural citrine is often found in Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia. Collectors should look for clarifying zoning and a pale yellow hue to distinguish natural from heat-treated material.