mineral

Citrine Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Pale yellow to golden honey; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.65

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

Identified June 12, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Pale yellow to golden honey; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous (pegmatites) or metamorphic environments when heat is applied to Amethyst or Smoky Quartz, either naturally or artificially.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry (faceting, beads), metaphysical practices, and as decorative collector specimens.

Geological facts

Citrine is known as the 'Success Stone' or 'Merchant's Stone' in folklore. Natural citrine is rare; most commercial citrine is actually heat-treated amethyst.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (scratches glass) and yellowish hue. Found commonly in Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia. Natural citrine lacks the 'burnt' orange tips common in heat-treated amethyst.