The Uses of Citrine

Citrine is a type of quartz which is associated with being yellow or yellow orange in color. It is a hard crystal that grows around a macro crystalline structure, this means that its six sided crystal shape is easy to spot with the naked eye. It is transparent and has a wonderful vitreous luster. It is important to note that Citrine gets its wonderful yellow color from small particles of iron inside the quartz. These particles are said to only number about 40 parts per million. Since Citrine is a beautiful looking stone, it is mostly used for ornamental jewelry.

Citrine and Amethyst are the exact same minerals, only the oxidation has changed inside the mineral. You can change the oxidation simply by heating it or irradiating it. In fact, because Citrine is rare in its natural state, a large majority of Citrine sold today is simply Amethyst heated up. There are currently no scientific ways to determine if Citrine was changed commercially.

Citrine is a great stone for ornamental jewelry and is very popular as the fashions have changed over the years. Because many consumers like to wear lighter colors or pastels, Citrine has found a place among the many accessories that go well with these hues. It should be noted that Citrine is one of the more affordable gemstones and there are plenty of jewelry pieces available either on earrings, bracelets, charms and rings. When purchasing Citrine, make sure it is not called Topaz or Smokey Topaz; many times these minerals are confused for one another. If you are looking for the perfect yellow piece of jewelry, take a look at Citrine.

Citrine - The History and Origins

Citrine is known as the yellow stone that is similar to Amethyst. Citrine has been gaining in popularity over the past few decades as softer yellow and pastel colors have become popular. Citrine is from quartz mineral. Quartz is the most abundant mineral on earth and actually makes up 12% of the earth’s crust. Its color is usually a yellow to orange; however it might at times have a tinge of red or brown in it. Many times this stone is confused with Topaz. It is quite different than topaz.

Citrine is caused by iron deposits in its macro crystalline structure. It should be noted that Citrine is the same as Amethyst in composition; only the state of oxidation is different. The amount of oxidation in a crystal can change with radiation usually by sunlight and heat. Amethyst can be changed to Citrine just by radiating it with heat. In fact, Citrine can be reversed back to Amethyst as well. However, do not have fear; your Citrine will last for generations as long as you do not subject it to radiation or extreme temperature.

Citrine has been known to man for thousands of years. It was first used by the Ancient Greeks and Romans for jewelry such as intaglios. It was also popular during the Middle Ages and was said to have medicinal and mystical qualities. For instance, Citrine was used to stimulate one’s intellect and bolster creativity. It was also said to be helpful in acquiring wealth and self confidence.

Regarding medicinal uses, Citrine was used in a variety of different ways, such as protecting one from snake bites, to help remove toxins from the body. It was used to speed healing and disorders dealing with the heart, liver and digestive system.