Citrine
Quartz var. Citrine · Semi-Precious Gemstone / Mineral Specimen
Crystal System
Trigonal; typically occurs in hexagonal prisms with pyramidal terminations (though these are tumbled chips)
Mineral Group
Silicates (Tectosilicate subgroup)
Chemical Formula
SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide) with trace amounts of Iron (Fe3+)
Formation Process
Hydrothermal or Igneous; forms via crystallization in pegmatites or hydrothermal veins often as a result of geothermal heat acting on smoky quartz or amethyst
About This Crystal
Small, tumbled chips displaying a pale yellow to golden honey color. Transparency ranges from transparent to translucent with a vitreous (glass-like) luster and no visible inclusions.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Pale yellow; Streak: White; Cleavage: None; Fracture: Conchoidal; Specific Gravity: 2.65; Fluorescence: Usually inert
Optical Properties
Refractive Index: 1.544-1.553; Birefringence: 0.009; Optical Character: Uniaxial positive; Weak pleochroism
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Brazil (primary source), Madagascar, Russia, Spain, and USA (Colorado)
Hardness & Durability
Mohs Hardness: 7; High durability and toughness; no cleavage makes it excellent for jewelry use
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water; avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight which may cause fading; safe for ultrasonic cleaning unless heavily included
Rarity & Value
Common (natural citrine is rare, but heat-treated amethyst is abundant); Value increases with color saturation and clarity; Price is generally affordable for small chips
Special Characteristics
Piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties; light color is typically caused by colloidal iron or heat-induced changes in the oxidation state of iron
Lore & History
Known historically as the 'Merchant's Stone' for its association with prosperity; associated with the Solar Plexus chakra in traditional healing; used in jewelry since the Hellenistic Age in Greece