Multi-colored Quartz Bracelet (Citrine, Aventurine, and Carnelian)
Quartz (Silicon Dioxide) varieties: var. Citrine, var. Aventurine, var. Carnelian (Chalcedony) · Semi-Precious Gemstones / Decorative Jewelry
Crystal System
Trigonal crystal system; the beads are polished rounds (spherical), but the internal structure consists of hexagonal prisms (macro-crystalline) and microcrystalline aggregates.
Mineral Group
Silicates (Tectosilicates)
Chemical Formula
SiO2 with trace elements of Iron (Fe3+) for Citrine, Chromium-rich Fuchsite or Mica for Aventurine, and Iron Oxide (Hematite/Goethite) for Carnelian
Formation Process
Formation ranges from Igneous (magmatic crystallization for quartz) to Hydrothermal (vein filling) and Sedimentary (secondary deposition for carnelian).
About This Crystal
A beaded bracelet featuring translucent yellow (Citrine), semi-translucent mint green (Aventurine), and translucent to opaque burnt orange (Carnelian). The Citrine beads show internal fractures (crackle) and vitreous luster; the Aventurine has a waxy to vitreous luster with a slight grainy texture; the Carnelian shows high saturation and smooth surface.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Yellow, Green, Orange; Streak: White; Cleavage: None; Fracture: Conchoidal; Specific Gravity: 2.65; Luster: Vitreous; Fluorescence: Generally inert, though some aventurine may show weak green.
Optical Properties
Refractive Index: 1.544-1.553; Birefringence: 0.009; Doubly refractive (except for microcrystalline varieties which appear aggregate); Aventurine may show aventurescence (metallic glitters).
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Mainly Brazil (Citrine/Aventurine), India (Aventurine/Carnelian), and Madagascar. Found in pegmatites and metamorphic rocks.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs Hardness: 6.5 to 7. Highly durable for daily wear, though the 'crackle' yellow beads may be more brittle due to internal stress fractures.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth; avoid ultrasonic cleaners for the 'crackle' yellow beads. Store away from direct sunlight as some citrine (especially heat-treated) can fade over time.
Rarity & Value
Common; Value is determined by color uniformity and bead size. Most commercial 'Citrine' of this shade is heat-treated Amethyst. Carnelian is often dyed to enhance saturation.
Special Characteristics
The yellow beads display internal 'ice' or 'crackle' inclusions; the green beads show subtle mottling characteristic of aventurine quartz; some carnelian beads show slight translucent banding under backlight.
Lore & History
Historically, Quartz is the 'Universal Crystal.' Citrine is known as the 'Success Stone' for abundance; Aventurine is the 'Stone of Opportunity' linked to heart chakra; Carnelian is associated with ancient Egyptian talismans for courage and vitality (Sacral chakra).