Quartz Family · uncommon
Citrine
Citrine is a yellow to orange variety of quartz. Natural citrine is rare; most on the market is heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz.
Also known as: yellow quartz, november birthstone, merchant stone, Lemon Quartz.
Citrine properties at a glance
| Type | Quartz Family |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | SiO2 |
| Mohs hardness | 7 |
| Crystal system | hexagonal |
| Luster | vitreous |
| Streak | White |
| Cleavage | None |
| Fracture | Conchoidal |
| Specific gravity | 2.65 |
| Transparency | transparent |
| Common colors | Yellow, Orange, Golden Brown |
| Rarity | uncommon |
Geology & background
Natural citrine forms when amethyst is heated by nearby magmatic activity. Most commercial citrine is heat-treated amethyst.
Popular in ancient Greece for decorative gems, citrine saw renewed popularity in the Art Deco period.
How to identify Citrine
- Check whether the specimen's color and texture match typical Citrine examples.
- Photograph a fresh surface in natural light and avoid shadows, glare, or wet surfaces.
- Use hardness, streak, luster, grain size, and locality together; no single trait is enough for every specimen.
Full Citrine identification guide: checklist, home tests and look-alikes →
Citrine vs similar stones
Not sure it isn't something else? Side-by-side comparisons with the stones most often confused with Citrine.
Where Citrine is found
Citrine is reported from multiple localities or geological settings. Exact locality should be verified from specimen provenance, maps, or field notes.
How much is Citrine worth?
| Entry-level specimen | $10 |
|---|---|
| Typical collector specimen | $50 |
| Premium specimen | $300+ |
Value depends on size, condition, color, crystal quality, locality, rarity, preparation, and provenance. Treat this as educational guidance, not an appraisal.
Common uses
- Jewelry
- Decorative items
- Spiritual practices
Interesting facts
- Called the 'Merchant's Stone' for attracting wealth
- Natural citrine is much rarer than amethyst
- Does not hold negative energy like other crystals
Care & safety
Treat Citrine as a collector specimen unless hardness, cleavage, and fracture are confirmed.
Avoid inhaling dust. Do not cut, grind, or polish unknown specimens without eye protection and a properly rated respirator.
Citrine FAQ
What is Citrine?
Citrine is a yellow to orange variety of quartz. Natural citrine is rare; most on the market is heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz.
How much is Citrine worth?
Entry-level Citrine specimens sell for around $10, a typical collector specimen for about $50, and premium pieces for $300 or more. Value depends on size, condition, color, crystal quality, locality, rarity, preparation, and provenance. Treat this as educational guidance, not an appraisal.
How hard is Citrine?
Citrine has a Mohs hardness of 7. It scratches glass and a steel knife and cannot be scratched by a steel file.
Where is Citrine found?
Notable sources of Citrine include Brazil, Bolivia, Spain, Madagascar, and Russia. Natural citrine forms when amethyst is heated by nearby magmatic activity.
What is Citrine used for?
Citrine is used for jewelry, decorative items, and spiritual practices.
