Properties
Mineral group: Quartz
Chemistry: SiO2
Color: Yellow-yellowbrown
Crystal system: Trigonal
Mohs Scale hardness: 7
Refractive index: 1,544-1,553
Birefringence: +0,009
Specific gravity: 2,63-2,65
Information
Can be confused with
Beryl, flourite, spinel, topaz, tourmaline and colored glass. There is an abundance of synthetic quartz on the gem market, today.
Treatments
Heat treatment, most often by burning amethyst which brings out darker and brownish red varieties given names such as Madeira Citrin and others. Naturally coloured Citrin is yellow to yellow browned in lighter shades.
Instruments for identification
Microscope/loupe to observe color changes and inclusions. Generally, synthetic material is mostly free from inclusions and evenly coloured even in it's bi-coloured variety.
Polariscope and conoskope are very useful in identifying all varieties of quartz. With these instruments it's possible to make a diagnostic test of quartz.
Hydrostatic weighing to establish density is an important diagnostic test.
Refrachometer to measure refraction index and birefringence are important tests for all variants of quartz like citrine.
Deposits
Found in geodes of alluvial origin. the most significant deposits are found in Brazil, Madagascar, Zambia, Uruguay, Russia, India amongst others.
Miscellaneous
The coloring agent is Iron (Fe).
Read and learn about Citrine
Gemstone Guides & Knowledge
Read more about Citrine on RIDDGEM Blog
Watch movies and Shorts about Citrine on RIDDGEM YouTube
Citrine in healing (Source: ChatGPT)
Citrine is an energetic and positive crystal known to promote joy, abundance and personal power. It has a strong connection to the solar plexus chakra, making it ideal for boosting self-esteem and manifesting positive intentions.
Read/Learn more about Citrine – Healing Properties
