Where is Citrine found?
SiO2 (variety of Quartz)
Got a photo? Identify rocks instantly with the Rockby app
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 state of Rio Grande do Sul. Large geodes containing amethyst, which is then heat-treated to produce citrine, are abundant here.
Madagascar
Known for producing natural citrine, often with a distinct reddish-orange hue, sometimes referred to as 'Madeira Citrine'.
Uruguay
Another significant source of amethyst geodes that are often heat-treated into citrine.
Russia (Ural Mountains)
Historically a source of natural citrine, though production is less significant today.
Spain
Some natural citrine deposits exist, particularly in the region of Galicia.
France
Historically known for some natural citrine occurrences.
Scotland
The Cairngorm Mountains were a source of smoky quartz and some natural citrine, often referred to as 'Cairngorm'.
Collecting tips
- Look for Quartz Environments. Citrine is a variety of quartz, so search in geological settings known for quartz formation: pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, granitic intrusions, and volcanic rock geodes. Alluvial deposits (riverbeds, gravels) can also yield tumbled specimens.
- Identify Associated Minerals. Citrine often occurs with other quartz varieties (amethyst, smoky quartz, clear quartz), feldspars, micas, and various iron-bearing minerals.
- Observe Color and Transparency. Look for transparent to translucent yellow, orange, or brownish-orange crystals. Natural citrine tends to be paler, while heat-treated material can be more intensely orange or reddish-brown. Be aware that much commercial citrine is heat-treated amethyst.
- Check for Crystal Form. Search for characteristic hexagonal prismatic crystals with pyramidal terminations, or crystalline masses within vugs and geodes.
- Test Hardness. Quartz has a Mohs hardness of 7. It will scratch glass and steel, but will not be scratched by them. This helps differentiate it from softer yellow minerals.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Yellow to orange-brown
- Luster:
- Vitreous (glassy)
- Streak:
- White
Explore Citrine
Identify rocks anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full database, and your personal collection.