Citrine Stone: History, Formation, & Metaphysical Properties

With a bright yellow hue that reflects its powerful energy, citrine is a form of quartz that belongs in every gemstone collection. A stone of joy, positivity, and prosperity, it carries the warmth of the sun and the vibrancy of the citrus fruit for which it is likely named. This stone has been prized for its beauty and healing properties for thousands of years and remains one of the most popular gems among collectors.

Occurring in many places around the world, citrine is often associated with wealth and prosperity and is sometimes called the “Merchant Stone” or “Success Stone.” It is also a birthstone for those born in the month of November and is sometimes mistakenly called gold topaz. A lovely decorative stone, especially during the fall months, it is prized in metaphysical circles and widely used in healing practices.

Citrine History

The history of citrine dates all the way back to 300 B.C. when it was first used as a gemstone and decorative object in Greece. It was a favorite gem among both Greek and Roman jewelers at the time and was also fashioned into a wide range of decorative objects. It was carved into cabochon rings and used in intaglio work during the first century A.D. Originally known as yellow quartz, it was named citrine in 1556, and the name was likely derived from the French word for lemon, “citron.”

Queen Victoria made this stone popular in the 17th century by wearing it as jewelry. Also, during this time, Scottish men began using citrine to fashion the handles of swords and daggers. It was also used to adorn kilt pins.

In the United States, citrine became highly sought after during the Art Deco area when Hollywood stars wore glamorous jewelry featuring the vibrant yellow gem on the runway. Today, it remains a popular gemstone in the jewelry industry. It is also, of course, a stone that is widely used throughout the metaphysical community.

Citrine Physical Properties

Cluster of citrine crystals on top of a quartz.

Citrine is a member of the quartz family. It ranges in color from a very pale, almost colorless, shade of yellow todeeper brownish-yellow hues. Most often, it forms when amethyst or smoky quartz is exposed to extreme heat. This can occur naturally or as the result of a commercial heat-treating process. It is translucent to transparent in opacity and most often forms as clusters of pyramids on a geode base. It may also form as short terminated crystals either in drusy aggregates or singularly. Sometimes, long prismatic crystals may also form. It occurs in all mineral environments and forms in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rock. Citrine is found in many locations, including Africa, Russia, Spain, the United States, Scotland, France, and Madagascar. Today, however, many of the most spectacular specimens – including those that are available from Crystal Allies – are mined in Brazil.

On the Mohs hardness scale, citrine has a rating of 7. This makes it a quite durable mineral, but it can still be scratched by certain other stones, including sapphire and diamond. It holds up well to daily wear and is also an ideal crystal to carry as a pocket stone.

Citrine Metaphysical Properties

Citrine is prized for its beauty as well as its metaphysical properties. It is said to radiate an energy of pure joy and happiness. It brings brightness to one’s life and acts like a shot of Vitamin C for the soul. Unlike many other crystals, it does not absorb or store negative energy. Instead, it dissipates and grounds it and transforms it into positive energy. It is a highly protective stone and is one of the few that never needs to be cleansed or cleared.

This vibrant yellow stone is also associated with success and prosperity. It is said to help one attract and maintain wealth. It is often kept in cashboxes and cash registers where it can help attract money to merchants. It encourages one to be generous, too, and share their good fortune with others. It can even be carried in one’s wallet or purse both to attract money and to prevent excessive spending. Citrine is an excellent stone for professionals, especially those who work in sales, banking, casinos, and the media.

Citrine Healing Properties

As a tool for physical healing, citrine is said to encourage proper metabolism and support the endocrine system. It can also give one a boost of energy and improve physical stamina. It is considered to be especially beneficial for people with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Citrine can be used to treat various organs, too, including the pancreas and spleen. It is good for digestion and is said to relieve allergies and skin irritation, especially when caused by intolerances to certain chemicals or foods. It can help those who suffer from short-term memory loss and is known to enhance intelligence and promote concentration.

Citrine is a powerful emotional healer, too. It’s vibrant, joyous energy drives away negative thoughts and feelings of depression. It can help one be less sensitive to criticism, and it boosts self-esteem. It is also said to help one heal from past trauma and move past feelings of helplessness. It works with the solar plexus and navel chakras to unlock one’s creativity and personal power.

How to Use Citrine

Citrine stone on a jewelry.

Wearing or carrying citrine is highly beneficial to those who tend to be brought down by the negativity of others. You can also experience its benefits by simply placing it in your environment. Meditating with citrine may help open the pathways to inner thought and aid you as you attempt to transition into a deep meditative state. However you choose to use it, citrine is an amazing gemstone that can have a profound effect on your life as well as your physical and emotional well-being.

Find high-quality citrine from Brazil right here at Crystal Allies. Click through to our citrine section now to see all of the beautiful and powerful specimens that we currently have in stock.

NOTE: All content on this website is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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