Where is Citrine found?
Quartz (SiO2) variety Citrine
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Open the appCitrine occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Citrine
Brazil
The primary source of both natural and heat-treated citrine, particularly from the states of Rio Grande do Sul and Minas Gerais. Many large geodes of amethyst are found here and subsequently heat-treated to produce citrine.
Madagascar
Known for producing natural citrine, often with a desirable golden-orange color.
Uruguay
Another significant source of amethyst that is often heat-treated into citrine.
Russia (Ural Mountains)
Historically a source of natural citrine.
Spain
Some natural citrine deposits are found here.
France
Minor occurrences of natural citrine.
Scotland
Historically known for 'Cairngorm' quartz, which can include smoky quartz and some citrine.
Collecting tips
- Look for Quartz Environments. Search in areas known for quartz deposits, such as pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and areas with granitic intrusions. Geodes and vugs in volcanic rocks can also host citrine.
- Identify Associated Minerals. Citrine often occurs with other quartz varieties (amethyst, smoky quartz), feldspars, micas, and tourmaline in pegmatitic environments.
- Check for Color Consistency. Natural citrine often has a more muted, even color distribution. Heat-treated amethyst-turned-citrine may show a more intense, sometimes reddish-orange color, often with a white base where the original amethyst crystal grew from.
- Hardness Test (with caution). Citrine will scratch glass and steel (Mohs 7). This helps distinguish it from softer yellow minerals, but be careful not to damage the specimen.
- Observe Crystal Habit. Look for characteristic hexagonal prismatic crystals with pyramidal terminations, either as individual crystals or in clusters within vugs.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Yellow to orange-brown
- Luster:
- Vitreous (glassy)
- Streak:
- White
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