Citrine
Natural citrine is rarer than amethyst, and most commercial "citrine" is actually heat-treated amethyst (heating purple amethyst to ~500°C turns it yellow/orange). True natural citrine has a paler, more uniform yellow than heat-treated material. Arkansas occasionally produces natural citrine alongside its famous quartz clusters.
Physical Properties
Chemical Formula
SiO₂ (yellow variety of quartz)
Hardness (Mohs)
7
Color
Yellow, orange-yellow, amber, golden brown
Luster
Vitreous
Crystal System
Hexagonal (trigonal)
Streak
White
Cleavage
None
Specific Gravity
2.65
🔍 Field Identification Tips
Yellow to amber color with glassy luster and hardness 7 = citrine. Identical to quartz in every physical property (it IS quartz). Natural citrine tends toward pale lemon-yellow; heat-treated amethyst tends toward deep orange. The clustering habit and color zoning differ between natural and heated material.
Varieties & Forms
📍 Where to Find Citrine in the US
Uses & Applications
Jewelry (November birthstone alongside topaz), collectors specimens. Most commercial citrine is heat-treated amethyst.
💰 Collector Value Guide
Common tumbled: $2–$15. Natural pale citrine points: $10–$100. Deep Madeira color: $20–$200. Ametrine: $20–$300.
Find Citrine With Our Tools
Use the We Lick Rocks app to identify specimens, find dig sites, and connect with local rockhounds.