Citrine
Quartz var. Citrine (Heat-Treated Amethyst / Irradiated Quartz) · Semi-Precious Gemstone
Crystal System
Trigonal, with a massive or tumbled prismatic habit.
Mineral Group
Silicates (Tectosilicate subgroup)
Chemical Formula
SiO2
Formation Process
Natural citrine forms via igneous and pegmatitic processes or hydrothermal veins. However, commercially abundant specimens like this are typically produced artificially by heat-treating purple amethyst or smoky quartz (metamorphic/hydrothermal origins) to temperatures between 400 and 500 degrees Celsius.
About This Crystal
A tumbled, semi-translucent quartz crystal displaying a sharp color transition from a pale whitish-yellow body to a deeply saturated, burnt brownish-orange tip, a classic indicator of heat-treated amethyst. It has a vitreous to waxy luster and internal fracturing.
Physical Characteristics
Color ranges from pale yellow to deep brownish-orange at the base or tip; white streak; no cleavage; conchoidal fracture; specific gravity of approximately 2.65; brittle tenacity; exhibits piezoelectricity.
Optical Properties
Uniaxial positive optical sign, refractive index of 1.544 to 1.553, birefringence of 0.009, low dispersion, and doubly refractive.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Brazil, Madagascar, and commonly produced commercially via heat treatment of low-grade amethyst from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 7; good durability and toughness, making it suitable for everyday jewelry use despite lacking cleavage.
Care & Maintenance
Clean safely using warm soapy water; avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaners if heavily fractured. Store away from prolonged direct sunlight to prevent fading of natural or treated colors.
Rarity & Value
Common, especially due to heat-treated varieties widely available on the market. Value is relatively low for tumbled, heat-treated specimens, typically ranging from affordable collector pricing.
Special Characteristics
Displays distinct localized color zoning and thermal fracturing caused by rapid artificial heat treatment of precursor quartz varieties.
Lore & History
Historically regarded as the 'merchant's stone' or success stone, associated with abundance, manifestation, and personal willpower. Traditionally linked to the Solar Plexus chakra in modern crystal healing.