Citrine is the clear yellow or golden form of the mineral quartz. As such, it is related to
amethyst which is the purple form of quartz, and also to rock crystal which is the colorless
variety.
Coloration
It is possible for some specimens of quartz to be different colors in different areas.
Amethyst and citrine are varieties of quart which can both occur in the same stone. Please
see the ametrine on the Amethyst page. As tha photograph demonstrates, the difference in color
at the two ends creates a striking contrast. As noted, these stones are typically referred to
ametrines.
Citrine is often incorrectly and ignorantly sold as topaz by untrained jewelers. Although
topaz and citrine can often be similar colors, they are both completely distinct gemstones.
Often the owners and wearers of citrine jewelry refer to the stones as topaz. However, topaz
is typically richer in color than citrine . . . containing more orange coloration. The pictures
above demonstrate that it may take an expert to tell the difference.
Technical Characteristics
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Chemical Composition:
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SiO2 - Silicon Dioxide
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Hardness:
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7
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Specific Gravity:
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2.65 - 2.66
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Refractive Index (R.I.):
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1.544 - 1.553
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Bi-refringence:
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0.009
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Optic Sign:
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Positive
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Optical Character:
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Uniaxial
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Crystal Structure:
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Trigonal
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