mineral

Heat-Treated Amethyst (Commercial Citrine)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Deep honey-gold to burnt orange; Luster: Vitreous (glass-like); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: Deep honey-gold to burnt orange
Luster: Vitreous (glass-like)

Identified June 24, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Deep honey-gold to burnt orange; Luster: Vitreous (glass-like); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed as amethyst in volcanic basalt or high-temperature hydrothermal veins. The deep orange color is artificially induced by heating amethyst geodes at approximately 300 to 560 degrees Celsius to change the oxidation state of iron impurities.

Uses & applications

Primarily used for home decor, metaphysical collecting, and costume jewelry. Highly popular in the 'healing crystal' market as a substitute for natural citrine.

Geological facts

Most commercial citrine sold today is actually heat-treated amethyst. You can distinguish it from natural citrine by its opaque white base and concentrated color at the crystal tips. Natural citrine is usually a pale, uniform lemon-yellow.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by checking the base: if it is white/milky quartz and has a druzy (clustered) structure, it is heat-treated. Found globally, but large commercial stock typically originates from Brazil and Uruguay.

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