About Citrine

Shop Citrine HERE 

Keep reading to discover more about citrine

• Mineralogy and geology*
• Metaphysical, Spiritual and Healing** Properties***
• Common Associations

 

Mineralogy* and Geology of Citrine

Mineral formula: SiO₂ (a variety of quartz)

Mineral group: quartz (framework silicate)

Crystal system: trigonal

Crystal habit: six-sided prisms and tips, to massive or fine-grained.

Cleavage: none to indistinct

Fracture: conchoidal

Color: shades of yellow to orange, burnt orange. Note that much “citrine” on the market is heat treated amethyst; the yellow-orange tones are caused by finely distributed iron minerals (hematite and goethite). It may be difficult to distinguish natural citrine from the heat-treated variety.

Luster: vitreous

Diaphaneity: transparent

Moh’s scale hardness: 7

Streak: none / clear

Specific gravity: 2.65 – 2.66

Named after: citrina (the color is that of citron, lemon)

Geological occurrence: in igneous rocks, especially in pegmatitic veins

Citrine is the rare, yellow-colored variety of the common mineral quartz. The yellow color may be due to aluminum-based, irradiation-induced color centers, or by the presence of microscopic iron species. Natural citrine is much less common than amethyst or smoky quartz. Most commercial citrine is, in fact, heat-treated amethyst. Citrine also occurs with amethyst as zoned crystals; this variety is often called ametrine.

Citrine is most often confused with yellow (imperial) topaz; they can readily be distinguished by their hardness - citrine is 7 and topaz 8 on the Mohs hardness scale.

Citrine occurs principally in localities that produce amethyst. Gem-quality citrine is found on the Isle of Arran, Scotland; in the Ural Mountains of Russia; near Hyderabad, India; in Dauphine, France; in Minas Gerais, Brazil; in the Salamanca Province of Spain; and in North Carolina. 

Due to its rarity, citrine has no industrial uses. It is highly prized as jewelry, and as a metaphysical and/or decorative gemstone.

History

Ancient references to golden gemstones most likely refer to imperial topaz. The Romans likely acquired citrine in trade with the East. Their jewelers were among the first to regard it as a precious stone. Medieval Celts prized citrine as a health-bringing amulet, and it was thought to ward off poison and disease. Later on, it became a popular choice to set within the pommel of a Scottish dagger. 

Citrine Trivia

The world's largest faceted citrine gemstone is the Malaga Citrine. At 20,200 carats (about 8.8 pounds) it is huge. The raw citrine crystal came from Brazil. Its current location is unknown.

The Duchess of Cambridge often wears citrine jewelry; it was also a favorite of Queen Victoria. Queen Maxima of the Netherlands often wears striking citrine jewelry.

Buy your imperial topaz jewelry from a reputable dealer - the cost of imperial topaz is about $1000 per carat for fine stones over 5 cts. Gemmy citrine runs about $10 to $20 per carat. The cost of citrine has certainly contributed to its popularity!

Metaphysical, Spiritual and Healing** Properties***

Citrine is the name given to the mineral quartz when it exhibits a yellow, gold or orange-gold color. Like clear quartz, citrine has lots of energy. The color brings associations of sunshine, cheerfulness, and the gold of treasures and abundance. Go find a small piece of citrine now and place it in your wallet to bring abundance and confidence! 

The yellow color of citrine associates it with the solar plexus chakra and the energies of self-confidence, personal power, and the mind. Citrine has been associated with wealth, and opportunities to create wealth, for millennia. 

Wearing Citrine

Placing citrine anywhere on your body will have a highly energizing effect; it can be overwhelming if you aren't fully grounded. Whether you wear citrine as earrings, a bracelet, a ring, or pendant, or put a polished pebble in your pocket, it will activate your self-confidence and bring a warm, cheerful outlook to the day.

Citrine in Your Environment

The warm and fuzzy color of citrine associates it with the central area of the bagua, also known as tai qi, which governs the overall health of the space and those who are in it. Citrine placed in the middle of the area will encourage vitality and health.

Citrine's association with money makes it a great addition to the wealth corner of your space. Also known as Xun, this is the far left corner of your space when standing at the entrance of your home. Citrine encourages a healthy flow of money and other forms of abundance, including self-confidence. If you own a business, placing citrine in the cash register (or other area associated with the flow of money) will bring greater vitality to your business.

For more ideas on working with citrine and feng shui, click HERE.

Citrine in Crystal Grids and Altars

In Crystal Muse, authors Heather Askinosie and Timmi Jandro give lots of ideas for creatively using stones. Their Money Magnet ritual is one of the best! It's a 40-day process designed to hone your intent with financial values. Citrine is one of the stones used.

In Crystal Gridwork, author Kiera Fogg gives many examples for creatively using citrine in crystal grids for abundance, new beginnings, and other intentions. Citrine is considered a seeker crystal, especially good for manifesting goals and desires. Try her "Breakthrough Grid" (pp 86-87) for achieving success, breaking out of fear and overcoming obstacles.

 

Common Associations for Citrine

Color: shades of yellow   

Chakra: Solar plexus

Numerology: vibrates to 

Planets: Sun

Zodiac: Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Rooster

Bagua areas:  Tai qi (Health), Xun (Abundance) 

Elements: Fire, Earth

Birthstone: November

Wedding Anniversary: 13th

____

* Mineralogical information is from mindat.org

** Always consult with your medical professional for any physical or long-term healing issues.

*** Metaphysical properties come from: 

Love Is in the Earth (1995) Melody, Earth-Love Publishing House, 726 pp.

 

The Crystal Bible, A Definitive Guide to Crystals (2003) Judy Hall, Walking Stick Press, 399 pp.

Crystal Muse (2017) Heather Askinosie and Timmi Jandro, Hay House, 285 pp.

Crystal Gridwork (2018) Kiera Fogg, Weiser Books, 128 pp.