Citrine
The yellow to brownish-orange variety of quartz, often created by heat treating amethyst.
Physical & Optical Properties
Related: Quartz Varieties
Key Differentiators
- 'Bull's eye' optic figure
- RI and SG specific to quartz
- Most commercial citrine is heat-treated amethyst
Natural vs. Synthetic
Synthetic citrine is commercially available (Hydrothermal (same process as synthetic amethyst)). Distinguishing natural from synthetic typically requires microscopic examination of internal features.
- Color and zoning (heat-treated amethyst): Natural citrine: golden yellow to lemon, subtle layered zoning parallel to crystal faces. No purplish undertone. Synthetic: Heat-treated amethyst (most 'citrine'): reddish-brown or burnt orange hue, color concentrated near points/edges, patchy zones with residual purple. Faint tiger-stripe inclusions may remain.
- RI / SG: RI 1.544/1.553; SG ~2.65. Confirms quartz species. Synthetic: Identical for all quartz — cannot distinguish origin. Rely on color and zoning observation.
GemID Pro includes a two-phase natural vs. synthetic testing protocol for Citrine.
Start Free TrialCommon Simulants
- Yellow topaz: Biaxial positive DR; perfect basal cleavage; higher SG (3.53); RI 1.619–1.627.
- Yellow beryl (heliodor): Uniaxial negative DR; RI 1.577–1.583; SG 2.72; less saturated yellow typically.
Commonly Confused With
Commonly confused with: yellow_topaz, yellow_beryl, Heliodor, Hessonite Garnet, Spessartite Garnet, Topaz.
Treatments
- Heat-Treated Amethyst (most commercial citrine)
- Irradiation of smoky quartz
Price Context
Price context is approximate. GemID is not an appraisal tool. Results are indicators, not certified valuations.
About Citrine
The yellow to brownish-orange variety of quartz, often created by heat treating amethyst.
Identifying a citrine? GemID walks through these tests in order — RI, SG, fluorescence, and more.
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