Description
Natural Citrine Cluster from Morocco – Genuine Quartz Crystal Mineral
This beautiful Natural Citrine Cluster from Morocco is an authentic specimen of quartz crystal formation, chosen for its exceptional clarity, rich golden tones, and vibrant crystal growth. Each cluster displays the warm honey-yellow to amber hues characteristic of natural citrine, a variety of quartz prized for its natural brilliance and energy. The photo shows an example of the actual specimen you will receive, with a scale cube = 1cm for accurate sizing. These specimens are perfect for mineral collectors, interior display, or anyone fascinated by the geological artistry of Earth.
Geological Origin and Formation
Citrine is a naturally coloured variety of Quartz (SiO₂) formed deep within the Earth’s crust through hydrothermal activity. This mineral develops when silica-rich fluids, heated by geothermal energy, fill cavities within igneous or sedimentary rocks. Over thousands to millions of years, as temperatures and pressures stabilise, the dissolved silica crystallises into quartz.
In the case of citrine, trace amounts of iron impurities become incorporated into the quartz lattice. When exposed to natural geological heat or radiation, these iron atoms alter their valence state, producing the stunning golden-yellow colour that distinguishes citrine from other quartz types. The Moroccan citrine deposits occur mainly within hydrothermal veins and geode cavities, where crystal growth is uninhibited, resulting in spectacular open clusters with sharply terminated points.
The Moroccan geological landscape, shaped by tectonic uplift and ancient volcanic systems, provides the perfect environment for the creation of such minerals. These clusters often form within the Triassic to Jurassic sedimentary layers of the Atlas region, areas renowned for both fossil and mineral preservation.
Mineralogical Characteristics
- Mineral Species: Quartz (SiO₂)
- Variety: Citrine
- Crystal System: Trigonal
- Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale
- Lustre: Vitreous (glassy)
- Transparency: Transparent to translucent
- Colour: Yellow to golden-orange (due to Fe³⁺ substitution)
- Fracture: Conchoidal
- Cleavage: None
Citrine belongs to the same mineral family as amethyst and smoky quartz, all of which differ primarily in colour caused by trace impurities or exposure to heat and radiation. Natural citrine like this specimen displays subtle colour zoning and gentle internal inclusions, distinguishing it from artificially heat-treated quartz often sold under the same name.
Visual and Structural Features
This Citrine Cluster from Morocco exhibits multiple intergrown quartz points, each with natural hexagonal prism faces terminating in well-defined pyramidal terminations. The crystal arrangement creates a radiating pattern from the base, allowing light to pass through and reflect off internal surfaces. When illuminated, the specimen glows with a soft golden brilliance, enhanced by its high transparency and natural glassy lustre.
The colour variation within Moroccan citrine ranges from pale lemon tones to rich amber hues, often with slight smoky undertones due to iron oxide inclusions. The base of the cluster typically retains remnants of the original matrix, providing stability and visual contrast. Each cluster is unique, shaped by the specific environmental conditions of its geological formation.
Geological and Collectible Significance
Citrine is part of the broader quartz group — one of the most abundant and scientifically significant mineral families on Earth. Its occurrence in Morocco provides valuable insight into hydrothermal mineralisation processes that took place during the Mesozoic era. The mineral’s natural colouring indicates slow, stable crystal growth under consistent heat conditions, distinguishing it from artificially altered quartz.
Collectors and geologists value these Moroccan specimens not only for their visual beauty but also for their geological authenticity. They represent a snapshot of natural chemistry and crystallisation within the Earth’s crust, formed without human interference or enhancement.
Authenticity and Presentation
All of our specimens are 100% genuine and come with a Certificate of Authenticity verifying their origin and mineral classification. Each piece is individually selected for quality, structure, and colour intensity.
This Natural Citrine Cluster Mineral from Morocco is more than a decorative mineral — it is a geological treasure formed over millions of years, embodying both the artistry of nature and the scientific wonder of the Earth’s mineral processes.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.