gemstone

Yellow-orange faceted gemstone, likely citrine or yellow topaz

Citrine: quartz, SiO₂; yellow topaz: Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

The image shows a polished, faceted amber-yellow transparent stone in a gold-colored setting. Citrine has Mohs hardness 7, vitreous luster, no cleavage, and quartz’s trigonal crystal structure; topaz has hardness 8, vitreous luster, and perfect basal cleavage.

Identified August 12, 2026More gemstone →

Explore Yellow-orange faceted gemstone, likely citrine or yellow topaz in the encyclopedia →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Citrine forms when iron impurities color quartz, commonly in hydrothermal veins and geodes; natural yellow topaz crystallizes in fluorine-rich igneous pegmatites and rhyolitic cavities. The jewelry setting obscures diagnostic features, and the stone may also be treated amethyst or synthetic material.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in rings and pendants; citrine is an affordable jewelry stone, while fine natural topaz can be more valuable. Gold-colored metal may be plated rather than solid gold.

Geological facts

Strong orange-yellow color and rounded faceting are common in commercial citrine, much of which is heat-treated amethyst. Reliable separation from topaz requires refractive-index, hardness, or gemological testing.

Field identification & locations

Common sources include Brazil, Uruguay, Madagascar, Bolivia, and the United States. Test only when unmounted: quartz will scratch glass and lacks cleavage; professional testing is needed for confident identification.