Necklace With Raw Citrine

Citrine is a variety of quartz that is prized for its warm, yellow to golden-brown color. Here are the key properties and characteristics of citrine:

Physical Properties:

• Chemical Formula: SiO₂ (Silicon Dioxide)
• Color: Yellow to golden, amber, brownish orange
• Crystal System: Hexagonal
• Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale
• Specific Gravity: 2.65
• Transparency: Transparent to translucent
• Luster: Vitreous (glassy)
• Streak: White

Optical Properties:

• Refractive Index: 1.544 - 1.553
• Birefringence: 0.009
• Pleochroism: Weak (different colors visible when viewed from different angles)
• Fluorescence: Generally none, although some specimens might show weak yellow under UV light.

Healing and Metaphysical Properties:

• Energy: Citrine is often associated with positive energy and is believed to carry the power of the sun.
• Chakras: Linked primarily to the Solar Plexus Chakra, but also beneficial for the Sacral and Crown Chakras.
• Emotional Healing: Thought to help with overcoming depression, fears, and phobias. Known as the "Merchant's Stone," it is believed to attract wealth, prosperity, and success.
• Physical Healing: Used in crystal healing practices to aid digestion, spleen, and pancreas. It's also believed to improve stamina and energy.

Uses:

• Jewelry: Popular in rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets due to its appealing color and relative affordability.
• Decorative: Used in carvings and ornaments.
• Industrial: As a form of quartz, it has applications in various industries, although other forms of quartz are more commonly used for industrial purposes.

Care:

• Cleaning: Can be cleaned with warm, soapy water. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.
• Durability: While citrine is relatively hard, it can still be scratched by harder materials and can break or chip if struck hard.

Sources:

• Major Sources: Brazil, Madagascar, Spain, the USA, and Russia are notable sources of citrine.

Identification Tips:

• Natural vs. Heat-treated: Many citrines on the market are actually heat-treated amethysts or smoky quartz, which tend to have a reddish or orange tint compared to the more yellow hue of natural citrine.
• Testing: Gemological testing can distinguish natural citrine from heat-treated varieties.

Citrine's warm and inviting appearance, along with its affordability compared to other gemstones, makes it a popular choice in both jewelry and crystal healing practices.