Citrine
Quartz var. Citrine · Semi-Precious Gemstone
Crystal System
Trigonal, with a microcrystalline or macrocrystalline quartz habit, often appearing as tumbled or faceted stones in commerce.
Mineral Group
Silicates (Subgroup: Tectosilicates)
Chemical Formula
SiO2
Formation Process
Forms primarily through hydrothermal processes or low-temperature metamorphism, often resulting from the natural irradiation and heating of iron-bearing quartz.
About This Crystal
A small, transparent, warm brownish-orange to golden-yellow tumbled stone exhibiting a vitreous luster and smooth, rounded surface features characteristic of tumbling and polishing.
Physical Characteristics
Color ranges from pale yellow to deep amber-brown; white streak; completely lacks cleavage; exhibits conchoidal fracture; specific gravity around 2.65; brittle tenacity; displays no significant natural fluorescence.
Optical Properties
Singly or uniaxially positive double refraction with a refractive index of approximately 1.544 to 1.553; low birefringence of 0.009; typically weak to absent pleochroism.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Found globally with notable sources in Brazil, Madagascar, Spain, and the USA. Forms typically in pegmatites and hydrothermal veins.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 7, offering good durability and scratch resistance suitable for everyday jewelry wear, with no cleavage planes to worry about.
Care & Maintenance
Safe to clean with warm soapy water; avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight to prevent color fading; sensitive to extremely high heat.
Rarity & Value
Common; natural citrine is less common than heat-treated amethyst, but both are widely available and affordable, with prices varying based on color saturation and clarity.
Special Characteristics
Displays notable vitreous luster and transparent clarity; color is often a result of natural irradiation acting on trace iron impurities within the silicon dioxide lattice.
Lore & History
Historically used as a talisman against snake venom and evil thoughts, modern crystal healing associates citrine with the solar plexus chakra, prosperity, and abundance, though these remain traditional cultural beliefs rather than scientific claims.