![]() Others say that that isn’t the case, and the natural circumstances of a crystal’s formation influence its properties. Some argue that heat treating a crystal is just exposing it to the same effects that would happen naturally, so the end product isn’t actually any different from a genuine citrine. These citrines also become pale when they are heated further, and turn yellow when exposed to radiation. Interestingly, citrines created by heating smoky quartz do continue to exhibit pleochroism. Heating amethyst to alter its color causes it to lose this property, so it is consistently yellow (or orange, or brownish) regardless. Amethyst, citrine, and smoky quartz are all pleochroic. Pleochroism describes an optical phenomenon where a mineral appears to change colors when viewed from different angles, particularly when using a polarized light source. It’s not something the average crystal-buyer can really use to their advantage, but it’s much less subjective than determining how clear a crystal is, or exactly where it falls in the range of natural and artificial colors. There’s one other way to tell a citrine from a baked amethyst - pleochroism. Individual points usually have a very triangular, almost toothlike appearance. Often show up as pieces of geodes, usually with a very white base.Tend to have a very milky base, or be cloudy throughout.It doesn’t naturally have that bright orange appearance. Tends to vary between a light yellow, like white Zinfandel, to a smokier, apple juice color.While we’re probably all used to seeing clusters of low-growing amethyst crystals that look almost like grape jelly, citrine usually appears with longer, straight crystals or as individual points, more akin to clear quartz. Does not often have the same growth habit as amethyst.Compared to a glowing yellow heated amethyst cluster, the real stuff looks almost anemic. It’s like looking at a glass of orange juice next to a glass of orange soda. Most of it looks closer to a smoky quartz than the vibrant orange hues of the heated stuff. To put it bluntly, if you’re used to seeing heat-treated amethyst, real citrine is… Well, disappointing. How can you tell if a citrine is real or heat-treated? It’s not at all unusual to take amethyst, subject it to heat treating, and get something that can pass for citrine - in the sense that it’s a crystal, and yellowish. While citrine is uncommon, amethyst is not. It doesn’t seem so when you walk into a crystal shop, though - chances are, there are tons of clusters of bright orange crystals, usually at a very reasonable price. As a healing stone, it brings positivity and optimism. Its sunny color lends well to everything relating to the yellow, gold, and orange areas of color magic. Metaphysically, it’s a stone often used for prosperity, luck, and success spells. From what I’ve been able to gather, there are probably several varieties of yellow quartz created under different conditions, all of which have been lumped together for the gem trade under the name “citrine.” Some suggest that it’s caused by iron impurities in the crystal’s structure, while others say it’s more likely caused by aluminum or irradiation. Nobody is really sure where the color comes from. What is citrine, really?Ĭitrine crystals are best known as a bright, sunny yellow variety of quartz. That’s not to say that a lot of citrine crystals on the market are fake, as in made of resin or glass, just that not everything labeled as citrine is actually what it says it is. From what I have seen, citrine is like wasabi or olive oil - it’s entirely possible for someone to love it without ever having actually used it.
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