CITRINE
Citrine
Quartz
Yellow to orange quartz. It is a different mineral from topaz, even when their colors look similar.
GEM PROFILE
Basic properties
- Mineral or material
- Quartz
- Main chemical composition
- SiO₂
- Crystal & structure
- Trigonal
Shares the quartz structure with amethyst. Different colors can occur within the same mineral species.
- Typical colors
- Yellow, orange and reddish orange
- Mohs hardness
- 7
A measure of scratch resistance, distinct from resistance to impact or breakage.
About hardness and durability - Representative sources
Examples of known sources. Determining the origin of an individual stone requires examination and comparison with reference material.
- Common cutting styles
- Rounds, ovals, pears, step cuts and other styles.
Explore cutting styles
LOOK A LITTLE CLOSER
What to observe
Color strength alone cannot establish identity or whether a color is naturally occurring. Quartz combining amethyst and citrine colors in one crystal is called ametrine.
TREATMENT & CARE
Treatments & care
Treatments & identification
Much commercially available citrine is produced by heating amethyst to alter its color.
Everyday care
Wash with lukewarm water and mild detergent, avoiding high heat and sudden temperature changes. Handle fractured stones especially gently.
Cleaning depends on treatment, inclusions and mounting. If a stone's condition is unknown, ask your jeweler or a gem specialist before cleaning.
READING & REFERENCES
References
Public sources for learning about this gemstone's general properties.
- GIA · Gemological reference
- GIA · Care & Cleaning
- Handbook of Mineralogy · Mineral data (PDF)
- GIA · Gem sources and fundamentals
This dictionary provides general educational information. Values are representative and do not identify or grade an individual stone. Locality examples include historical deposits.
Sources checked: October 19, 2026