Citrine
Quartz var. Citrine · Semi-Precious Gemstone
Crystal System
Trigonal; typically prismatic with pyramidal terminations, though this specimen is carved into a heart-shaped cabochon.
Mineral Group
Silicates (Tectosilicate)
Chemical Formula
SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide with trace amounts of Aluminum and Iron)
Formation Process
Igneous/Hydrothermal: Forms through the crystallization of silica-rich fluids in rock cavities; natural color is often the result of low-level geothermal irradiation and trace iron impurities.
About This Crystal
A heart-shaped, polished cabochon approximately 2.5cm in width. It displays a golden-yellow to honey-amber hue with high transparency and a vitreous (glass-like) luster. The color distribution appears relatively even with no visible internal inclusions.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Golden-yellow; Streak: White; Cleavage: None; Fracture: Conchoidal; Specific Gravity: 2.65; Tenacity: Brittle; Fluorescence: Generally inert under UV light.
Optical Properties
Refractive Index: 1.544-1.553; Birefringence: 0.009; Pleochroism: Weak; Dispersion: 0.013. It is doubly refractive (uniaxial positive).
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Brazil (primary source), Madagascar, Russia, and Spain. Typical environments include pegmatites and hydrothermal veins.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs Hardness: 7; Toughness: Good; Stability: Stable to light but sensitive to extreme heat which can cause color fading or shifts.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steamers if the stone has hidden fractures. Store away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading and keep separate from harder stones like Topaz or Sapphire.
Rarity & Value
Natural citrine is rare; most commercial citrine is heat-treated amethyst. Value is determined by color saturation and clarity. Faceted or high-clarity carved pieces are moderately priced relative to other quartz varieties.
Special Characteristics
None visible in this specimen; however, it lacks the 'burnt' orange-red tips often seen in heat-treated amethyst-citrine, suggesting it may be natural or high-quality irradiated quartz.
Lore & History
Known historically as the 'Merchant's Stone,' it has been used in jewelry since the Hellenistic Age in Greece. In metaphysical traditions, it is associated with the Solar Plexus chakra and is believed to symbolize abundance, manifestation, and personal willpower.