gemstone

Tumbled citrine quartz (likely heat-treated amethyst)

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂), commonly colored by iron impurities

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Translucent yellow-orange, vitreous luster, and irregular conchoidal fracture; quartz hardness is Mohs 7, with no cleavage and trigonal crystal structure. The rounded shape indicates tumbling/polishing, and internal veils or fractures are visible.

Identified September 2, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Natural citrine forms in silica-rich hydrothermal veins and pegmatites, while much commercial orange citrine is produced by heating amethyst or smoky quartz. Quartz deposits range from Precambrian to recent geological ages.

Uses & applications

Used as an inexpensive gemstone, ornamental stone, meditation/collecting material, and decorative tumbled stone; it is not generally used in construction.

Geological facts

Natural citrine is relatively uncommon and usually pale yellow, whereas vivid orange or reddish-orange material is often heat-treated amethyst. Color may concentrate near fractures or show uneven zoning.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its yellow-orange color, glassy luster, hardness, and lack of cleavage; quartz will scratch ordinary glass but should not be tested destructively on a valuable piece. Common sources include Brazil, Madagascar, Uruguay, Zambia, and Russia.