But Are They Natural Citrine Crystals?:

But Are They Natural Citrine Crystals?:

Written by: Victoria Kreisson

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Published on

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Time to read 5 min

If you’ve ever been captivated by the sunny glow of a citrine crystal, you're not alone.

How Natural Citrine Crystals Are Formed

Natural citrine crystals are like little nuggets of sunshine formed deep within the Earth. These beauties come to life when quartz crystals are exposed to specific geological conditions. The presence of iron impurities combined with natural geothermal heat creates their warm, inviting hues. This natural process is rare, which makes genuine citrine crystals a prized treasure for collectors around the globe.

The Value of Rarity

Since natural citrine is hard to come by, it holds a special place in the heart (and yes, sometimes the wallet!). It’s mostly found in places like Brazil, Madagascar, and the Ural Mountains of Russia. Because of its scarcity, natural citrine often comes with a higher price tag compared to its heat-treated counterparts.

Heat-Treated Citrine: Just as Magical

To bring more of these delightful crystals to the world, some amethyst and smoky quartz are heat-treated to mimic the color of natural citrine. This process involves warming these stones until they take on the beautiful citrine-like hues. And here’s the good news: despite the difference in their formation, heat-treated citrine crystals are believed to share the same metaphysical properties as natural ones. They both are said to boost abundance, spark creativity, and enhance personal power, making them fabulous companions for spiritual journeys.

Same Metaphysical Marvels

Whether you're holding a natural citrine or a heat-treated one, you're in for a treat! Both types are celebrated for their ability to radiate positivity and joy. Citrine is often associated with attracting wealth and success, and many people believe it helps cleanse the aura, bringing a sunny disposition and a can-do attitude.

Spotting the Difference

Curious about telling them apart? Here are a few tips:

1. Colour Check: Natural citrine tends to have a soft, pale yellow colour, sometimes with a hint of smokiness. Heat-treated stones often flaunt deeper oranges and reds.

2. Origin Story: If you know where your citrine comes from, it might give you a clue. Natural citrine usually hails from specific regions like Brazil and Madagascar.

3. Price Point: Natural citrine crystals usually cost a bit more due to their rarity.

4. Look for Inclusions: Natural citrine might have natural inclusions or slight variations, while heat-treated stones are often clearer.

 Features of Natural Citrine

- Colour:
  - Typically pale yellow to smoky yellow.
  - May have subtle color variations and smoky undertones.
  - Often exhibits a more subdued, earthy tone.

- Inclusions:
  - Natural inclusions or tiny imperfections may be present.
  - Generally has a more uneven appearance due to natural formation processes.
  - Unique patterns and textures can be a hallmark of authenticity.

- Origin:
  - Commonly sourced from Brazil, Madagascar, and the Ural Mountains.
  - Knowledge of origin can hint at authenticity.
  - Some regions are known for specific color tones and quality.

- Price:
  - Tends to be more expensive due to its rarity.
  - Higher value in the market for collectors and enthusiasts.
  - Often priced higher per carat compared to treated stones.

- Clarity:
  - May not be as clear as heat-treated stones, with a more natural, earthy appearance.
  - Natural imperfections can add character and uniqueness.

- Formation Process:
  - Formed naturally through geothermal heat and iron impurities.
  - Rare geological conditions contribute to its scarcity.

- Feel:
  - Often feels heavier and denser compared to heat-treated stones.

Features of Heat-Treated Citrine

Colour:
  - Often displays rich, deep oranges and reds.
  - More uniform and intense coloration compared to natural citrine.
  - Bright, vibrant hues are typical indicators of treatment.

- Clarity:
  - Usually clearer with fewer inclusions.
  - Enhanced visual appeal due to treatment process.
  - Often has a glass-like quality.

- Origin:
  - Originally amethyst or smoky quartz, often treated in laboratories.
  - Less information available about natural sourcing.
  - Widely produced, making origin less specific.

- Price:
  - Generally more affordable than natural citrine.
  - Widely available due to the easier production process.
  - Lower cost per carat reflects its abundance.

- Appearance:
  - Consistent color and clarity due to heat treatment.
  - May lack the unique imperfections of natural citrine, giving a more polished look.
  - Uniformity in color and cut is common.

- Treatment Indicator:
  - Often has a color concentration at the tips or edges of the stone.
  - Laboratory certifications may indicate heat treatment.

- Feel:
  - Light in comparison to natural stones, with a smooth surface.

These comprehensive lists provide more nuanced indicators for distinguishing between natural and heat-treated citrine, allowing for a deeper understanding and appreciation of these beautiful crystals.

For Use in Metaphysical Practices


In the world of metaphysical practices, both natural and heat-treated citrine are generally believed to share similar properties. However, some practitioners and enthusiasts might perceive subtle differences based on their formation processes. Here's a look at the common and potential variations in metaphysical properties:

Shared Metaphysical Properties

- Abundance and Prosperity:
  - Both natural and heat-treated citrine are known as the "Merchant's Stone" for their ability to attract wealth and success.

- Energy and Vitality:
  - Both types are believed to energize and invigorate those who wear or use them, promoting a sense of vitality and motivation.

- Positivity and Joy:
  - Citrine, in both forms, is associated with bringing joy and dispelling negativity, making it a popular choice for uplifting one's mood.

- Creativity and Confidence:
  - These crystals are thought to boost creativity and enhance self-confidence, supporting personal growth and self-expression.

Potential Variations

- Natural Citrine:
  - Some practitioners believe that natural citrine, formed over millions of years, carries a deeper connection to the Earth’s energy.
  - It might be perceived as having a more subtle, grounding energy due to its natural formation process.

- Heat-Treated Citrine:
  - While carrying the same general properties, heat-treated citrine might be seen as having a more intense or focused energy due to its vibrant color and clarity.
  - Some believe it has a more concentrated effect on the solar plexus chakra, amplifying confidence and personal power.

Ultimately, the effectiveness and experience of using citrine, whether natural or heat-treated, can vary from person to person. Many crystal enthusiasts emphasise the importance of personal intuition and connection when working with crystals, suggesting that the most significant factor is how the individual resonates with the stone.

Whether you're drawn to citrine for its vibrant beauty or its uplifting energies, knowing a bit more about its background lets you appreciate these crystals even more. Natural or heat-treated, citrine crystals are all about spreading sunshine and abundance, ready to inspire and brighten your day. When buying citrine, chatting with a knowledgeable seller or gemologist can be a great way to learn more about your crystal, so you can enjoy its glow with confidence!

Just grab the highlights

Quick Reference Guide - Citrine

Overview and Correspondences

Name: From the French word citron, which means lemon.

Pseudo and nick-names:

  • The success stone
  • The Merchant’s stone

Colour: Yellow to yellowish brown or smoky grey with a brown tinge.

Substance and Composition

  • Crystal System Trigonal
  • Chemical Composition: SiO2
  • Crystal Structure: Hexagonal
  • Mineral Class: Quartz
  • Refractive Index: 1.544-1.553
  • Optical Characteristics: Uniaxial
  • Fluorescence: None
  • MOHS: 7

Location:

  • Brazil,
  • Madagascar,
  • Russia,
  • Spain
  • The United States

Element:

  • Air
  • Fire

Chakras:

  • Crown Chakra
  • Sacral Chakra
  • Solar Plexus Chakra

Zodiac:

  • Aries, 
  • Gemini, 
  • Leo, 
  • Libra

Number: 6

Month: November

Planet: Jupiter

Energetic and Spiritual Associations

  • Cleanser
  • Regenerator
  • Sun energy
  • Manifestation
  • Absorbs
  • Transmutes
  • Dissipates
  • Grounds
  • Warming
  • Solar Plexus Chakra
  • Sacral Chakra
  • Root Chakra
  • Fire Element
  • Visions and inner images
  • Aura warning
  • Abundance
  • Planet Jupiter
  • Air Element
  • Number 9
  • November
  • Intuition
  • Crown Chakra
  • Goodness
  • Prosperity
  • Success
  • Autumn

Traditional, Physical Applications

  • Environmentally protective
  • Mental clarity
  • Digestion
  • Metabolism
  • Weight loss
  • CFS
  • Degenerative disease
  • Spleen
  • Kidney and bladder infection
  • Pancreas
  • Eye problems
  • Detoxification
  • Thymus
  • Thyroid
  • Circulation
  • Cellulite
  • Warming
  • Nervous system
  • Constipation
  • Fatigue
  • Menstrual problems (elixir)
  • Menopause symptoms (elixir)

Emotional and Psychological Properties

  • Energising
  • Creativity
  • Willpower
  • Optimism
  • Playfulness
  • Decisiveness in difficulty
  • Fear of responsibility
  • Anger
  • Sensitivity
  • Depression
  • Fears and phobias
  • Inner calm
  • Digesting information
  • Communicating thoughts and feelings
  • Self esteem
  • Destructive tendencies
  • Individuality
  • Self-expression
  • Generosity

Crystal Care and Synergies

  • Sun: Fades
  • Water: Safe
  • Synergies: Heliodor, Golden Labradorite, Imperial Zincite, Orange Calcite, Carnelian.