Crystal guide
How to Identify Citrine
SiO₂ (Quartz)
Citrine is the yellow to golden variety of quartz (Mohs 7). Identify it by quartz hardness and yellow color — and know that much market “citrine” is heat-treated amethyst with telltale orange-brown tones.
About Citrine
Citrine is the yellow to golden variety of quartz (Mohs 7). Identify it by quartz hardness and yellow color — and know that much market “citrine” is heat-treated amethyst with telltale orange-brown tones.
Citrine is filed under crystals in the RockScan directory. Composition: Silicon dioxide with iron color centers. It forms via natural rare; most commercial citrine is heat-treated amethyst. Typical occurrence: Brazil, Madagascar, Spain (natural rarer). For the broader method, see how to identify rock types.
Citrine properties
| Mohs hardness | 7 |
|---|---|
| Class | crystal |
| Scientific name | SiO₂ (Quartz) |
| Color | Pale yellow to Madeira orange |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Crystal system / texture | Trigonal |
| Composition | Silicon dioxide with iron color centers |
| Formation | Natural rare; most commercial citrine is heat-treated amethyst |
| Occurrence | Brazil, Madagascar, Spain (natural rarer) |
How to identify Citrine
- Yellow/golden quartz; Mohs 7.
- Hexagonal quartz habit when crystallized.
- No cleavage (unlike topaz).
Lookalikes to rule out
- Heat-treated amethyst: Many market citrines are heated amethyst — look for orange-red tints and white bases; natural citrine is often paler.
- Yellow glass: Glass bubbles; quartz hardness 7.
- Topaz (yellow): Topaz has cleavage and different habit; citrine is quartz without cleavage.
Photo tips for Citrine ID
- Accurate yellow-orange white balance.
- Show crystal points if present.
- Note base color transitions that hint heat treatment (educational, not accusatory).
Snap one specimen in natural light, then open the result in the online studio or the rock identifier app.
Citrine FAQ
How do you identify citrine?
Yellow quartz with Mohs 7. Compare with topaz (cleavage) and glass (bubbles).
Is most citrine heated amethyst?
A large share of commercial citrine is heated amethyst; pale natural citrine also occurs.
Citrine vs yellow topaz?
Topaz is a different mineral with cleavage; citrine is quartz.
How to identify citrine
Yellow quartz queries often hide heat-treated amethyst. Use this checklist:
- Hardness 7: quartz baseline — scratches glass; soft yellow calcite/glass fail.
- Habit: hexagonal quartz points when crystallized; massive pieces still show vitreous conchoidal fracture.
- Heat-treated cue: deep orange-brown “burnt” tips often signal heated amethyst sold as citrine.
- vs yellow topaz: topaz has different cleavage and hardness (~8); crystal habit differs.
- Photo first: true-color shade shot of tips + body, then RockScan vs amethyst and glass.
Citrine vs heat-treated amethyst vs yellow glass vs topaz
- Heat-treated amethyst: orange-brown concentrated color, often at tips; natural citrine is usually subtler yellow.
- Yellow glass: bubbles/mold lines; softer; not quartz fracture.
- Yellow topaz: different crystal system/cleavage; Mohs ~8 — lab/habit checks help.
Photo tips for citrine ID
Neutral shade for true yellow vs orange-brown tips; include a crystal-point shot if present. Compare amethyst, clear quartz, and fluorite, then confirm in the online studio or rock identifier app.
Related crystals to compare
Browse all: rocks · minerals · crystals · directory · what rock is this · rock vs mineral vs crystal. Confirm with the online studio or rock identifier app.