Gemstone profile and identification guide
Citrine
Citrine is the yellow variety of quartz, commonly transparent with vitreous lustre.
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Overview
Citrine is the yellow variety of quartz, commonly transparent with vitreous lustre.
Did you know? Natural citrine is less common in trade than heat-treated quartz sold as citrine.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Citrine
Scientific classification: Silicate (Quartz)
Hardness: 7 Mohs
Transparency: transparent
Lustre: vitreous
Crystal system: Trigonal
Primary colour: Yellow
Secondary colour: Golden Yellow
Colour family: Oranges & Yellows
Key criteria are quartz RI and SG, vitreous lustre, and yellow body colour with typical quartz inclusions.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Values are given as practical gemological ranges where appropriate.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: hard
Hardness value: 7 Mohs
Chemical composition: Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
Crystal system: Trigonal
Common locations: Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul), Bolivia, Madagascar, Zambia, Russia
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Yellow to golden quartz, ranging from pale straw to deeper orange-brown tones.
Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Quartz (citrine variety)
Mineral group: Quartz group
Chemical formula: Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
Mohs hardness: 7
Crystal system: Trigonal
Lustre: vitreous
Transparency: transparent
Streak: White
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal
Specific gravity: 2.65
Refractive index: 1.544-1.553
Optical phenomena: None typically diagnostic
Colour range: Pale yellow to golden yellow to brownish yellow
Common inclusions: Needles, veils, liquid inclusions, growth zoning
Geological environment: Hydrothermal veins and pegmatitic quartz environments
Principal mining regions: Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul), Bolivia, Madagascar, Zambia, Russia
Important commercial sources: Most commercial citrine is from Brazil; additional sources include Bolivia, Madagascar, and Zambia
Historical significance: Used in European jewellery since at least the 18th century.
Common treatments: Heat treatment is common; irradiation may also be used for some yellow quartz products.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Synthetic quartz and glass simulants exist.
Common look-alikes: Yellow topaz, yellow sapphire, glass, treated amethyst
Jewellery uses: Used in faceted jewellery, beads, and collector crystals.
Care recommendations: Suitable for routine jewellery wear. Avoid prolonged high heat or strong sunlight for treated material.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Citrine.
Formation
Forms in hydrothermal quartz veins and pegmatitic environments; many commercial stones are heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz.
Origin
Most commercial citrine is from Brazil; additional sources include Bolivia, Madagascar, and Zambia
Uses
Best for: Used in faceted jewellery, beads, and collector crystals.
Ideal uses: Faceted rings, pendants, and earrings where bright yellow body colour is desired.
Care
Suitable for routine jewellery wear. Avoid prolonged high heat or strong sunlight for treated material.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
Related gemstones by hardness
Gemstones from the same mineral family
Commonly confused gemstones
Citrine FAQ
How can I identify Citrine?
Compare hardness (7 Mohs), crystal system (Trigonal), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Citrine appear in?
Yellow to golden quartz, ranging from pale straw to deeper orange-brown tones.
Where is Citrine commonly used?
Faceted rings, pendants, and earrings where bright yellow body colour is desired.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 01 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 01 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 01 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 01 factual verification pass.