Citrine
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Mineral NameCitrine
Chemical FormulaSiO2
Mohs Hardness7
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagenone
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity2.65
Colorsyellow, orange, brownish-yellow
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityBrazil, Madagascar, Uruguay
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesjewelry, collector, ornamental
Associated Mineralsamethyst, chalcedony, calcite
Rarityuncommon
Description
A large, half-geode specimen featuring a cavity densely lined with numerous small, pointed, transparent to translucent orange-yellow quartz crystals. The vibrant color ranges from golden yellow to a deep reddish-orange, growing on a white chalcedony base.
Geological Context
Natural citrine forms in igneous and metamorphic rocks, often in hydrothermal veins or pegmatites, where iron impurities within the quartz structure are oxidized. Much of the commercial citrine is produced by heat-treating amethyst, which forms in volcanic geodes.
