Citrine
Quartz var. Citrine · Semi-Precious Gemstone
Crystal System
Trigonal, with a typical macrocrystalline quartz habit featuring hexagonal prisms terminated by pyramids, though presented here as polished spherical beads.
Mineral Group
Silicates (specifically Tectosilicates)
Chemical Formula
SiO2
Formation Process
Forms primarily through hydrothermal processes or igneous crystallization in pegmatites, as well as low-temperature metamorphic conditions. Natural citrine gets its yellow to brownish color from trace amounts of iron, whereas much commercial citrine is produced by heat-treating purple amethyst.
About This Crystal
The specimen consists of a strand of polished, spherical beads displaying a warm, golden-yellow to brownish-orange color. The beads exhibit transparent to translucent clarity with a vitreous luster, showing subtle internal fractures, natural inclusions, and minor color zoning typical of quartz varieties.
Physical Characteristics
Body color ranges from pale yellow to deep amber-brown. Streak is white. Cleavage is absent, displaying a distinct conchoidal fracture. Specific gravity is approximately 2.65. Tenacity is brittle. It exhibits piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties and is generally inert under UV light.
Optical Properties
Singly or doubly refractive depending on the viewing angle, specifically uniaxial positive with a refractive index of 1.544 to 1.553 and a low birefringence of 0.009. Pleochroism is usually very weak or absent.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Notable sources include Brazil, Madagascar, Russia, and the United States. It forms in various geological settings including pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and volcanic cavities.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 7, offering good durability and scratch resistance. It has no cleavage planes, making it tough enough for daily jewelry wear such as bracelets and rings, comparable to reference minerals like quartz.
Care & Maintenance
Safe to clean with warm soapy water. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning if fractures are present. Store away from direct, prolonged sunlight to prevent fading of the color, and keep separated from harder stones to avoid scratching.
Rarity & Value
Natural citrine is uncommon, making it more valuable than the widely available heat-treated amethyst. Value is determined by color saturation, clarity, and size. Prices for beaded bracelets generally range from affordable to moderate depending on the natural origin and quality of the stones.
Special Characteristics
May exhibit faint internal color zoning, natural thermal fractures, or phantom growth lines. Exhibits piezoelectricity under mechanical stress.
Lore & History
Historically used as a talisman against snake venom and evil thoughts, citrine has been prized since ancient Roman times. In modern crystal healing traditions, it is often referred to as the 'Merchant's Stone' and is associated with the Solar Plexus chakra, traditionally believed to promote prosperity, joy, and energy. These are cultural and traditional beliefs rather than scientifically verified claims.