CITRINE

Citrine is a yellow variety of quartz, with a Mohs hardness of 6-7, and the chemical formula SiO2. It crystallizes in the Trigonal crystal system. Shades of the valued mineral vary from a pale-yellow to orange-brown, depending on the saturation levels of certain trace elements, such as iron and aluminum. Natural citrine is very uncommon, and as a result, much of the citrine found on the market is formed by heat treating amethyst or smoky quartz. When heat treating lower quality amethyst, the crystal will turn a bright yellow to orange color; but buyer beware, these heat-treated examples are often sold as a natural citrine when, in fact, they are not. Brazil is considered the leading exporter of citrine, both authentically colored and artificially, with much of the production coming from the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Exceptional specimens of natural citrine have also been found in certain parts of South Africa. It is primarily mined for its use as a collector’s mineral and gemstone, with certain industrial applications being used for mechanical and electrical processing.

CITRINE HISTORY AND USES

Historically, Egyptians first used citrine for gemstones and talismans; During the Hellenistic Age, sometime between the death of Alexander the Great and the death of Cleopatra, citrine became exceedingly popular as a gemstone across much of Mediterranean Greece; Later, Roman priests were known to have fashioned citrine cabochons into amulets and rings. During Ancient times, it was often referred to as the "merchant's stone" or "money stone", due to the belief that it would bring its wearer prosperity and abundance. Additionally, citrine has been connected to the deities Demeter, the Greek goddess of harvest, and Sekhmet, the Egyptian goddess of war. In 1556, it was given the name Citrine by the father of modern mineralogy, Georg Bauer. He chose the name from the Latin 'citrus' and the French word 'citron', meaning lemon or lemon colored.

CITRINE METAPHYSICS

Metaphysically, citrine is considered a crystal of the Solar Plexus Chakra. It is said that the mineral can aid in natural energy absorption, creating more life-force Qi while providing attention-oriented patterns of mindfulness and concentrated thoughts. Citrine is an energy facilitator and progress generator, giving its user a beneficial boost in workplace motivation. It is also said that citrine can help to facilitate financial stability and personal success. Physically, citrine is said to aid the boy with digestion, kidney and bladder infections, thyroid disfunction, and hormonal imbalance.