Archive for May, 2009
Citrine – A Popular Gemstone in Today
Citrine is one of the most valuable forms of quartz. The most common use is as a gem by jewelers but is also valuable to mineral collectors. It has also substituted for the more expensive gem Topaz. The name citrine is derived from the French word citron – lemon. When intense heat is applied to the gemstone amethyst, it is transformed into citrine. This can happen in nature when deposits of amethyst are near a heat source in the earth’s crust, but more often heat is applied industrially to create citrine. In many amethyst deposits, the amethyst has been partially or fully changed to a darker brown citrine due to naturally occurring high temperatures, thereby changing the amethyst into natural citrine. Mined mainly in Brazil, but also found in Bolivia, citrines come in vivid yellows and oranges, and also the unusual and extremely popular “madeira red.” The golden yellow color of citrine and heat-treated honey citrine are quite popular with jewelry designers today, and exquisite silver pendants and other fashion jewelry can be purchased online and in stores throughout the US.
The chemical composition of citrine is silicon dioxide. The crystals formed follow a hexagonal structure which commonly shows as clusters of pyramids based on a geode. They could also come in short, terminated crystals either singly or in aggregates. Citrine is often considered as a good alternative to topaz. As one of the least expensive of the gemstones, Citrine is very durable and is a bit softer and less brilliant than the more precious topaz. Citrine has a hardness of 7 on the Moh’s scale.
Citrine is considered to be the stone of self of esteem, and is primarily used to prevent or treat feelings of anxiety, lack of self-confidence, and depression. Feng shui masters recommend that the citrine crystal be displayed in the south east corner of your home or office to have best results. Citrine is also said to aid digestion and regulate the immune system promoting health and well being, lore and legend also suggests that Citrine calms and soothes distressed conditions. Soldiers in Caesar’s legions are said to have worn Citrine on the chest during battle making use of the Gemstones life-saving properties, the jewel is also said to cleanse, purify and eliminate poisons that build up in the body. Some also believe that citrine is beneficial in case of allergies, nutrition disorders, and gastric acidity, diabetes and digestion problems. Citrine is believed to speed the healing capacity of the person. It is also supposed to be good for blood circulation, heart, muscles, kidney, thyroid gland, circulatory and excretory system, liver, digestion, urinary system, head and spinal column, and helps eliminating toxins, regenerating tissues and maintaining body weight.
Citrine – A Popular Gemstone in Today / Author: Dale Arnold