Citrine – Crystal Wiki
The golden-yellow quartz with warm honey tones – popular as a gemstone and collector's item
var. Citrine (Quartz Group, SiO2)
Properties & Characteristics
Scientific Data
- Chemical Formula
- SiO2
- Crystal System
- Trigonal
- Mohs Hardness
- 7
- Density
- 2.65 g/cm3
Physical Properties
- Color
- Light yellow to brownish-gold
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent to translucent
- Special Feature
- Natural citrine is rare; some commercial goods are heat-treated quartz
What is Citrine?
Citrine is the yellow to golden-brown variety of quartz. It is known in the market for its warm hues and good everyday wearability.
Formation
Citrine forms in hydrothermal environments and pegmatites. Additionally, part of the market is served by controlled heated amethyst or smoky quartz.
Deposits & Market
Important countries of origin include Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia. For trade, clear color communication and verifiable quality levels are important.
Quality Characteristics
Key factors are uniform color, transparency, clean polish, and cut quality. Saturated golden tones without dull zones are particularly sought after.
Care & Handling
Clean with lukewarm water and mild soap. Protect from hard impacts and store separately from harder stones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is citrine always natural?
No. Natural citrine is rare; treated varieties are common and should be clearly labeled.
Is citrine suitable for everyday jewelry?
Yes, with a Mohs hardness of 7, citrine is well-suited for many jewelry applications.
How do you distinguish good quality?
Look for uniform golden tones, good transparency, and a precise cut.