Treated Amethyst vs. Natural Citrine: How to Know What You're Really Buying

Introduction

Imagine searching for the perfect citrine, only to discover it might not be what you think. Over 90% of the citrine available on the market today is actually heat-treated amethyst, which is transformed to replicate that inviting golden hue. While these treated stones are beautiful and carry their own energy, they differ significantly from natural citrine in origin, composition, and value.

If you’re looking to invest wisely and understand what truly sets natural citrine apart, you should know the science behind the color and the story of its origins.

In this article, we’ll explore these differences in depth, covering color nuances and energetic properties. We will also discuss pricing considerations and practical tips for spotting heat-treated amethyst masquerading as citrine. By the end, you’ll shop smarter and feel confident that your citrine is truly one of a kind.

What is Citrine?

First thing, let’s start with what exactly is citrine and why it’s easy to fake it.
Citrine is a beautiful yellow-honey-colored stone that brings light, joy, success, and positive energy into your life. Amethyst and citrine both are varieties of quartz. In fact, when amethyst and smoky quartz are exposed to high heating temperatures, they turn into this beautiful, rich, honey-yellow citrine.

Citrine is also known as the “burnt amethyst” because of its formation process. Natural citrine, smoky quartz, and amethyst are found all over the globe, but the most common place to find the heat-treated amethysts would be Brazil.

Similarities between Amethyst and Citrine

1. Formation Process: The formation process of both the stones is very similar. They are formed inside geodes, and they undergo high pressure and temperature.

2. Mohs Scale: On the Mohs scale, both amethyst and citrine are 7, which makes them pretty durable stones, which are perfect for various types of jewelry.

3. Chemical Composition: They both are a form of quartz. As we also know that basically at one point, every citrine was an amethyst. Amethyst converted into citrine after undergoing extreme heat and pressure.

4. Metaphysical Properties: Many practitioners believe that since citrine is just a type of amethyst, their metaphysical properties would also be similar. Amethyst is believed to bring calmness and clarity. Citrine is believed to be associated with energy and vitality.

   
   

How is a natural vs. treated citrine formed?

Naturally mined citrine is very rare in the market. It is formed just like amethyst deep inside the layer of earth, under intense heat and pressure. Amethyst, on the other hand, is found in more abundance than citrine.

Treated citrine is formed by heating an amethyst stone or a smoky quartz to a certain temperature of more than 500°C. The temperature has to be set very carefully and has to be monitored to give citrine the right amount of color and look. The heat to which it is exposed decides its appearance, which is the most important.

Heated citrine often appears in the shape of amethyst geodes. Its shape is famously described as “dog tooth-like.”. They might be pointed at the top and can be tapered at the bottom.

Natural citrine, on the other hand, can have 6-sided points. It might not be tapered at the bottom as well.

90% of the citrine that is available today in the market is just heat-treated amethyst.

Why is most citrine just treated amethyst?

Naturally occurring citrine is very rare in the market. Natural citrines also exhibit a dull pale yellow color, whereas the treated ones give an eye-catching golden-yellow color, which makes them more sellable.

Hence, to draw more buyers, treated citrine dominates the market because of the rich color it exhibits. We hope this clears out the confusion of why is heat-treated amethyst sold as citrine?

There are, however, two sides to the coin. Many people don’t believe in buying these treated varieties of citrines. However, many believe that heating them in the lab is just the same thing, as they also undergo the same process of getting heated under the earth’s layers.

How to Differentiate between a Treated or Natural Citrine?

If you have been using treated citrine, then I'm sorry to say, natural citrines might break your heart. The most basic way and the most common way to tell them apart is by their color.

To give you a better idea of the formation process, let us show you an image. This image below shows the changes in amethyst when you expose it to UV light.

• Top Left: Un+treated, Natural Amethyst

• Bottom Left: Exposed to UV light

• Top Right: Exposed to Heat (380 degrees celsius, 8 hours)

• Bottom Right: Exposed to Heat (450 degrees celsius, 12 hours)

Where Is Natural Citrine Found?

Not all citrine is created equal, and where it comes from plays a big role in that. Natural citrine is relatively rare, and most of the authentic pieces you'll find trace back to Brazil (especially from the state of Rio Grande do Sul) or Madagascar. These origins influence everything, from the stone’s hue and clarity to its overall value.

Buyer Tip: If a seller is offering “natural citrine” but can’t confirm the origin, be cautious. Ask questions like, “Where was this sourced from?” or “Is this Brazilian or Madagascan citrine?” Sellers dealing with genuine pieces will usually be happy to tell you.

Energetic Differences: Natural vs. Treated

If you're buying citrine for its energy, whether it’s to attract abundance, boost your confidence, or cleanse your space, then the difference between natural and treated matters.

Natural citrine is believed to carry solar energy: vibrant, uplifting, and grounding. On the other hand, treated Citrine may still retain some of that calming, spiritual frequency associated with amethyst.

Buyer Tip: Trust your intuition. If you’re energy-sensitive, hold both types (if you get the chance) and feel the difference. Also, be wary of deep orange or burnt-yellow stones, as these are more likely to be heat-treated.

Market Pricing: What Should You Really Be Paying?

Let’s talk money because it’s easy to overpay when you don’t know what you’re really buying. Natural citrine is rarer and, as a result, more expensive. You’ll typically see it priced higher than heat-treated amethyst, often marketed as citrine. Treated stones are usually more vibrant and “perfect-looking,” which can be confusing. But if it looks too flawless for the price, it’s probably not natural.

Buyer Tip: A small, pale yellow citrine from Brazil could cost more than a chunkier, vibrant orange “citrine” that’s actually treated. Always ask, “Is this natural citrine or heat-treated amethyst?” and “Is it priced accordingly?”

Buyer Checklist: Questions to Ask Before You Purchase

Here’s a quick list of questions that’ll make you a smart, confident buyer:

• Is this natural citrine or treated?

• Where was it sourced from?

• Is there any gemological certification or lab report available?

• Why is this piece priced the way it is?

• What’s your return or authenticity guarantee policy?

Buyer Tip: If a seller gets defensive or vague when you ask these questions, that’s your cue to walk away. Transparency is key in gemstone buying.

Certification and Lab Reports: What to Look For

When in doubt, let science speak. Legit sellers often provide lab certifications from trusted institutions like GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or IGI (International Gemological Institute). These reports will state whether the citrine is natural, heat-treated, or synthetically produced.

Here are the most common terms you might see and what they actually mean:

• Natural Citrine: This means the gemstone formed in the Earth with its yellow to golden hue naturally developed without any heating or treatment involved.

• Heat-Treated Quartz: This is typically amethyst (purple quartz) that has been heated at high temperatures to alter its color into yellow, orange, or brown to mimic natural citrine.

• Amethyst, Heated to Citrine Color: Some reports may identify the stone as being originally amethyst that’s been heated to appear like citrine.

Buyer Tip: If a seller provides a report, take a moment to read the actual language used. Even if the stone looks like citrine, if the report mentions “heated quartz” or “amethyst, heated to citrine color,” then it’s not natural citrine. And that matters for both value and metaphysical intent.

And if you’re buying online, don’t hesitate to request close-up images of the report or the stone itself under natural light.

For your reference, this is what a GIA certificate looks like.

This is what IGI certificate looks like.

In case the seller doesn’t provide an authentication certificate or report, you may ask for either of these two yourself. We also advise you to study the report visuals properly in order to be able to identify whether the report is indeed an authentic or a faked one.

If you are still in doubt, it’s always safer to check for the report number on the official websites and see if the info matches with their database.

What to choose? Treated amethyst vs citrine?

This might be a common question that must have popped into your head after reading this. To be honest, it really depends on your preference. It is still a citrine. It really doesn't matter if it undergoes that heat and pressure inside the layer of earth or in your lab. Eventually it will be an amethyst turned yellow-golden. It would still possess the same healing properties but just on a slightly lighter scale.

We hope this was helpful for you to know how amethyst and citrine are linked together and how you can choose the best for yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is smoky quartz ever mistaken for citrine?

Yes. Due to its brownish-yellow tone, smoky quartz is sometimes mistaken for citrine or even intentionally mislabeled. While both are quartz, their colors and energetic profiles differ. Smoky quartz is grounding, while citrine is uplifting.

Q: Is heat-treated citrine the same as synthetic or lab-grown quartz?

No. Heat-treated citrine is natural amethyst altered by heat, while lab-grown quartz is man-made from the ground up. Both are real quartz chemically, but synthetic stones lack the natural growth patterns and inclusions of Earth-formed gems.

Q: Are citrine geodes and clusters also heat-treated?

Often, yes. Many citrine geodes (especially those with vibrant orange or rust tones) are amethyst clusters that have been heated. True natural citrine geodes are rare and typically paler in color. Always ask before you buy.

Q: Can heat-treated citrine fade or change color over time?

Yes. Prolonged sunlight exposure or high heat can sometimes alter or fade the color of heat-treated quartz. Natural citrine is generally more stable in color, making it a better long-term investment for jewelry or crystal collectors.

Q: Can I buy natural citrine online safely?

Absolutely, but only from reputable sellers who provide clear sourcing info and gemological certificates. Avoid listings with overly vibrant colors and vague descriptions like “AAA citrine” without any proof.

Q: Is natural citrine always more expensive?

Generally, yes. Due to its rarity, genuine citrine commands a higher price, especially if it’s well-cut and comes from locations like Brazil or Madagascar. However, price alone shouldn’t be the only indicator as transparency and certification matter more.