Specimen at a glance
| Mineral | Quartz (var. citrine) |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | SiO2 |
| Mohs hardness | 7 |
| Crystal system | Trigonal |
| Form | Polished / tumbled |
| You receive | The exact specimen pictured |
About this specimen
A cheerful lot of pale citrine tumbled stones, polished smooth to bring out their soft honey-to-pale-lemon coloring and gentle internal clarity. Citrine is a variety of quartz colored by trace iron impurities, and naturally pale citrine like this — as opposed to the deeply saturated, often heat-treated citrine seen in mass-market jewelry — tends to have a softer, more delicate golden glow that many collectors and crystal workers prefer for its subtlety.
Each stone in this lot has been tumbled to a smooth, pocket-friendly finish, making them ideal for carrying, gridding, jewelry-making, or simply adding a warm accent to a crystal bowl or display. The lot includes a nice mix of sizes, from petite accent pieces to slightly larger tumbles, all sharing that same soft pale-gold family of color.
A lovely, affordable way to bring citrine’s warm, sunny energy into a collection without the premium price tag of larger polished or natural pieces. Sold as the complete lot pictured.
Citrine: the science
- Natural citrine is uncommon. Much of the deep orange “citrine” on the market is amethyst that has been heat-treated.
- Heating amethyst to roughly 400 to 500 °C changes its iron color centers and turns purple to yellow or orange.
- Tumbling rounds and polishes the stones over several weeks in grit, removing sharp edges while keeping the natural color.
Go deeper
Want the full story on citrine: how it forms, how to identify it, and what makes a great specimen?
Read Quartz: The Complete Guide Shop all Polished & Tumbled Stones
Questions about this piece
What is citrine?
Citrine is yellow to orange quartz colored by traces of iron. Pale, soft yellow tones like these are typical of the variety.
How hard is it, and how should I care for it?
It rates 7 on the Mohs scale. Mohs 7. Keep out of long, direct sunlight, which can fade yellow quartz over time. Wipe clean with a soft cloth.
Is this the exact piece I will receive?
Yes. This listing was photographed individually, and you receive the exact piece shown in the photos.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.