golden quartz crystal
CITRINE
Citrine Origin & Physical Properties
Citrine is a pale yellow to deep golden variety of quartz which color is caused by oxidized iron within its atomic structure. The name Citrine, comes from the Greek word ‘citron’, meaning lemon. It’s vibrant golden color hues, durability and affordability has led citrine to become the most well-known and best selling yellow gemstone in the world. Citrine, like all varieties of macro crystalized quartz, forms in the six-sided hexagonal crystal system and has a durable hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. Citrine is a crystalline formation of silicon and oxygen.
Most gem-quality Citrines are cut from heat-treated amethyst and smokey quartz crystals and not natural citrine. However, it does not diminish their value and is a commonly excepted practice within the gem trade. Citrine is found around the world but the largest sources for gem quality rough comes out of Brazil and Madagascar. Usually the darker golden to reddish orange colored Citrine gemstones are from heat treated Amethyst and the lighter lemon colored gems are created from heating Smokey Quartz. Generally, the more saturated golden citrine with eye clean transparency and quality faceting fetches a much higher price per carat compared to the paler yellow varieties. Most faceted citrine is quite clean and usually only presents minor inclusions. Color banding and zonal coloration is common, especially within darker colored gemstones.
Category |
Properties |
|---|---|
| Chemical Composition |
SiO₂ |
| Mohs Hardness | 7 |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Specific Gravity | 2.63 - 2.7
|
| Refractive Index | 1.544 - 1.553 |
| Fluorescence | None |
| Crystal System |
Hexagonal |
| Diaphaneity |
Transparent |
| Color |
Yellow to orange to orangey red Brown |
| Origin |
Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Zambia, Spain, France |
| Chakra |
Solar Plexus (3th) |
| Zodiac |
Cancer |
| Element | Fire |
| Metaphysical Effects | Clarity, Manifestation, Abundance |
Citrine Healing & Metaphysical Properties
Citrine quartz carries the energy of the sun and its solar energy is warming, energizing and joyful. The golden rays of citrine help return energy levels and balance the flow of Ch’i through the body.
Citrine is especially used for stimulating the intellect and encouraging sound mental activity. It is a motivating gem that unleashes creative flow and helps with self expression. Citrine is often called a stone of manifestation and personal will-power, due to its alignment with the solar-plexus chakra, the seat of power and determination.
By strengthening the solar-plexus, we can stand in our own power and manifest the full potential of our abilities. High quality Citrine is an excellent tool for also stimulating the crown chakra and strengthening the connection between body and mind, mental focus and our creative life-force.
Citrine History & Mythology
In ancient times, Citrine was said to ward of evil spirits and acted as a protective stone against evil thoughts, and a shield against illness and snake bites. Known as “the merchant stone” citrine had an excellent reputation amongst tradesmen for encouraging prosperity and abundance.
In ancient Vedic belief, Citrine is represented by the god Brahaspati and the planet Jupiter. It is considered to be the teacher of the gods and the seat of wisdom and high knowledge. In Ancient Greece and Egypt the stone was one of the key gemstones used in jewelry and talismans. Citrine was thought to soothe anger, calm the nerves and help manifest one’s deepest desires.