Mineral

Citrine

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities

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

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

Identified March 28, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous or metamorphic environments, primarily within pegmatites or hydrothermal veins where silica-rich fluids cool. Natural citrine is rare; many commercial specimens are heat-treated amethyst.

Uses & applications

Predominantly used as a gemstone in jewelry (rings, pendants, earrings), and highly valued by mineral collectors and metaphysical practitioners.

Geological facts

Natural citrine is often called the 'Success Stone' or 'Merchant's Stone' in folklore. It is the birthstone for November and is one of the few gemstones that is thought to never require 'cleansing' because it does not hold negative energy.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its glassy luster and inability to be scratched by a steel knife. It lacks cleavage and breaks like glass. Common locations include Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul), Madagascar, Spain, and Russia.

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