Citrine
Quartz var. Citrine · Semi-Precious Gemstone / Mineral Specimen
Crystal System
Trigonal; typically occurs as hexagonal prisms terminated by rhombohedra, but seen here in a massive, fractured habit.
Mineral Group
Silicates (Tectosilicate subgroup)
Chemical Formula
SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide) with trace amounts of Iron (Fe3+)
Formation Process
Hydrothermal or Magmatic; forms in silica-rich environments. Natural citrine is rare and forms via geothermal heating of amethyst or smoky quartz.
About This Crystal
A yellowish to golden-brown variety of quartz. This specimen shows a massive, translucent to transparent body with a vitreous luster and distinct conchoidal fracture patterns.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Yellow to honey-gold; 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; Dichroism: Weak to distinct yellow/pale yellow.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Brazil (primary source), Madagascar, Russia, and Spain. Often found in pegmatites and hydrothermal veins.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs Hardness: 7; Toughness: Good (no cleavage); highly durable for all jewelry types including rings.
Care & Maintenance
Wash with warm soapy water; avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight as colors may fade; safe for ultrasonic cleaning unless heavily fractured.
Rarity & Value
Natural citrine is Rare; most commercial citrine is heat-treated Amethyst. Value is based on color saturation and clarity.
Special Characteristics
Internal 'rainbows' from thin-film interference in fractures; may show color zoning; lacks the pleochroism of yellow topaz.
Lore & History
Historically known as the 'Merchant's Stone' for attracting abundance. Ancient Romans used it for intaglio work. Associated with the Solar Plexus chakra.