Quartz • Macrocrystalline Quartz

Citrine

Pale yellow, honey gold, to warm Madeira orange-brown.

SiO₂ + Fe³⁺Mohs 7.0 Mohs

Mineralogical & Gemological Profile

Mineral FamilyQuartz
Mineral SpeciesMacrocrystalline Quartz
Gemological VarietyCitrine
Chemical CompositionSiO₂ + Fe³⁺
Crystal SystemTrigonal
Mohs Hardness7.0 Mohs
Specific Gravity2.65
Refractive Index1.544 – 1.553

Color Characteristics & Optical Behavior

Pale yellow, honey gold, to warm Madeira orange-brown.

Geological Context & Pakistani / Global Localities

Natural unheated citrine forms in hydrothermal veins and granitic pegmatites; much commercial citrine is produced by heating amethyst or smoky quartz.

Collector Interest & Rarity Factors

Unheated natural citrine crystals with smoky-golden zoning are considerably rarer than heat-treated material and prized by collectors.

Fine Jewelry Applications

Durable Mohs 7 gemstone suited for statement rings, pendants, and warm-toned gold settings.

Treatment Considerations & Disclosure

Heat treatment of amethyst to produce citrine is very common in the trade and must be transparently distinguished from natural unheated citrine.

Care & Cleaning Instructions

Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush; avoid sudden thermal shock.

Traditional Meaning

Traditional Symbolism & Cultural Heritage

Historically referred to as the 'Merchant's Stone', symbolizing warmth, abundance, and creativity. November birthstone.

Note: Cultural and birthstone traditions are presented strictly as historical folklore, never as scientifically verified medical or metaphysical effects.

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Amethyst

7.0 Mohs
Amethyst

Lilac lavender to deep royal purple, often with angular color zoning aligned with rhombohedral crystal faces.

Chemical formula
SiO₂ + Fe³⁺/Fe⁴⁺ color centers
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Rose Quartz

7.0 Mohs
Rose Quartz

Soft pastel pink to rose pink, typically translucent to milky with gentle internal light scattering (sometimes showing asterism...

Chemical formula
SiO₂ + microscopic borosilicate (dumortierite-type) nanofibers
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Smoky Quartz

7.0 Mohs
Smoky Quartz

Translucent smoky tan and cognac brown to nearly opaque black (known mineralogically as 'Morion').

Chemical formula
SiO₂ + Al³⁺ color centers activated by natural background radiation
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