Natural Smoky Citrine Cluster

Natural Smoky Citrine Quartz Cluster – Multi-Terminated Growth with Iron Zoning

This natural smoky citrine quartz cluster is a striking example of complex quartz growth, combining warm golden tones with deeper smoky zoning across multiple crystal points.

Unlike standard citrine, this piece shows a transition between smoky quartz and iron-coloured quartz, creating a natural gradient from translucent golden hues to deeper brown tones. This variation is caused by a combination of natural irradiation (responsible for smoky quartz) and iron impurities within the crystal structure.

The specimen features several well-defined terminations emerging from a shared base, forming a clustered growth habit. Each point displays classic hexagonal geometry with sharp edges and natural faces, some of which show horizontal growth lines that mark pauses in crystal formation.

🔍 Key Features

Material: Natural Quartz (Smoky Citrine)

Formula: SiO₂

Colour: Golden yellow → smoky brown

Cause of Colour: Iron impurities + natural irradiation

Transparency: Transparent to translucent

Lustre: Vitreous (glassy)

Crystal System: Trigonal

Formation: Natural multi-point cluster

📏 Dimensions

Size: 8.7 cm x 6.7 cm

Weight: 155 grams

🧪 Geological & Scientific Notes

Quartz forms from silica-rich fluids within cavities in rock, often under hydrothermal conditions. Over time, crystals grow layer by layer, creating the hexagonal forms seen in this specimen.

The smoky tones are produced when natural radiation interacts with aluminium impurities in the quartz lattice, forming colour centres. The yellow to golden tones are linked to iron content within the crystal.

This piece shows both processes, resulting in a natural “smoky citrine” appearance rather than a single uniform colour. The visible zoning and phantoms reflect changes in growth conditions during formation.

Surface textures, minor contact points, and natural etching are typical of unpolished quartz clusters and add to the authenticity of the specimen.

🧼 Care Information

Clean gently with lukewarm water

Avoid harsh chemicals

Store carefully to protect crystal points

Handle with care – natural terminations can be delicate