Citrine - a magical piece of sunshine will help maintain positivity. How and from what natural citrine is counterfeited Citrine changes color

Citrine stone is a type of quartz golden color. Transparent citrine crystals are easy to process, and therefore have long been used by jewelers to make jewelry, seals, and amulets. Despite centuries-old history, citrine received its own name relatively recently, only in the middle of the 18th century. Before that, it was called golden topaz (Spanish topaz, Bohemian topaz, Western topaz) because of its amazing similarity to this stone.

There are not many natural citrines, but they can be obtained from amethysts and smoky quartz, which, when fired, change color, acquiring various shades of yellow: from lemon to orange-red. In the Urals, large crystals were baked in bread, and small ones, sprinkled with ash, were placed in an oven in a pot. Citrines obtained in this way had even better jewelry qualities than their natural counterparts - they were cleaner, more transparent, more interesting in color, while maintaining the inherent hardness and density of citrines.

Properties of citrine - description

Citrine is a Class IV gemstone and is widely used in jewelry. This mineral is easy to process, it is durable, hard, and scratches glass. His chemical formula, like all quartz – SiO2. Natural citrines may have cloudy areas, inclusions of opaque quartz, and cracks.

Types of citrines and their colors

Natural citrines are typically pale yellow in color. Its saturation depends on iron impurities. Heat-treated amethysts and smoky quartz turn into lemon, orange, burgundy, honey, gold, amber or tan citrine. Annealing smoky quartz produces bright yellow stones, while processing amethyst produces orange-brown stones. Citrines with a beautiful sunny orange rich color are called “Madera” because of the similarity in color to the famous wine.

Products with citrine

Uniformly transparent stones without flaws are used for inserts into rings, brooches, earrings and pendants. Citrines set in gold look especially stylish and expensive. A diamond or combined cut is chosen for clear crystals, and a flat cut for cloudy ones. Large crystals of natural origin are often processed using the cabochon method. Unevenly colored and translucent crystals are used to make bracelets and necklaces.

How to clean citrine

It is recommended to keep citrine jewelry in closed individual boxes. They should not be stored mixed with other jewelry, as hard citrine may scratch softer metals or minerals. It is recommended to wash citrines under warm running water using soft fabric or brushes.

Citrine deposits

Natural deposits of citrine are extremely rare. Brazil ranks first in terms of production volume. There are also deposits in Madagascar, France, the USA and Spain. In the Urals and Kazakhstan, stones of a beautiful wine-yellow hue are mined. It is very difficult to distinguish citrines with a natural color from annealed quartz, since the latter have the same high jewelry quality and are not inferior in beauty to their natural analogues.

The meaning of citrine stone

Citrine, due to its crystalline form and yellow color, is considered a stone that absorbs solar energy. Therefore, the owner of citrine has the right to count on energy support from him in case of loss of vitality, apathy, and depression. Citrine raises self-esteem, adds self-confidence, organizes thoughts, and encourages creativity. It is capable of attracting good luck in financial matters - a citrine crystal located close to cash will contribute to the increase in wealth in the house. This stone, like the sun, brings warmth and light to the house, it is able to improve relationships between people.

Whose citrine stone is the horoscope, zodiac sign

For most people, citrine is neutral. That is, if a person likes jewelry with citrine, then he can safely wear it without putting himself at risk negative impact, but not counting on the help of the stone. For the bright signs of Fire - Aries and Leo - citrine will bring good luck and success, it will become a real thing for them lucky mascot. Citrine also has a good effect on people born under the signs of Gemini and Libra. The only zodiac sign that is not recommended to have citrine in the house is Scorpio.

Medicinal properties of citrine

It is believed that citrine has the ability to influence the solar plexus area - the center of balance of vital forces. Citrine crystals, having natural energy, improve the psychophysical state of the body, elevate mood, tone up, activate mental activity, help overcome depression and chronic fatigue. Citrine also has a healing effect on people with speech impediments.

Magical properties of citrine

Color science claims that yellow promotes financial well-being and attracts good luck. The closer the shade of the stone is to golden, the brighter and richer the tone of the stone, the more strongly it attracts wealth. Citrine, thanks to its natural sunny shades, is ideally suited for business people, helping to conclude profitable deals, make successful investments and receive income even in hopeless transactions.

For gambling people, a talisman with citrine will increase the chance of success in risky situations, and in case of loss it will help not to lose peace of mind. The mineral is also good for creative people, giving inspiration for new ideas, strength to implement a project, and, at the same time, helping to ensure that talent brings income to the owner of the stone.

Citrine does not accumulate negativity and does not need energetic cleansing, which is very valuable.

Ythrin is a yellow semi-precious stone. Known to the world since the 18th century. It is believed that the solar energy of the mineral has magical and healing properties.

This crystal is easy to process, which is why it is widely used in jewelry making.

A little about citrine

The name of the mineral is due to its lemon-yellow color, which translated into Latin means citrine (lemon). It consists of yellow silicon silicate; depending on the ratio of its constituent parts, its color changes from light to orange tones.

Mined in the USA, Uruguay, Brazil, Madagascar, France. In Russia in the Urals.

Natural minerals have a light yellow tint. Brighter and more saturated colors are obtained by heating smoky amethyst or morion.

Citrine belongs to quartz; in addition to it, this group includes: aventurine, rauchtopaz, rock crystal, cat eye, rose quartz.

Varieties

Citrine stones differ in shade. The color range depends on the presence of mineral impurities.

Madeira is obtained by heat treatment of morion or amethyst. It has a sunny orange hue. Got its name from color range Madeira wines.

Treating Brazilian amethysts with fire produces wine-yellow specimens. It can be found under the name “palmyra-, madera-, sierra- or bahia topaz”.

Pale yellow is the most common shade of natural yellow quartz.

Green - extremely rare.

The greatest value is natural stones consisting of a combination of citrine and amethyst crystals. The homeland of such artifacts is Brazil.

Medicinal properties

Meditation with citrine helps normalize energy flows and tune in to optimism.

Citrine is widely used in lithotherapy (stone treatment). Thanks to solar energy, the body's condition improves. The mineral has a beneficial effect on the activation of vitality and the functioning of the immune system.

Citrine helps get rid of chronic fatigue and depression.

Wearing healing stone especially useful for representatives of the earth element. Regular use helps:

improve vision;

normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;

eliminates urological problems;

promotes the regeneration of tissues damaged by injury or inflammation;

helps with stuttering and other speech disorders;

accelerates the processes of restoration of expended energy;

reduces fatigue;

normalizes sleep;

prevents the development of depression;

reduces headache attacks;

improves concentration, memory and logical thinking;

instills a sense of self-confidence;

reduces the influence of negative emotions.

Magicallyoh by force yeshealingmipropertiesmi endowedonly naturalth citrine, artificially createdstonesnot endowed with the energy of the earth and sun.

Magic properties

A money tree made with citrine is the most powerful home talisman that attracts wealth.

The citrine stone is famous for its influence on the ability to persuade; it helps to achieve good results in negotiations, find clients and business partners, and conclude profitable deals.

However, for this same power, the mineral was called the stone of deceivers, because it does not discern whether a person works for good or evil. Fraudsters also love the talisman for improving the ability to gain the trust and convince any person that they are right.

Magical properties of citrine:

According to esotericists, it is suitable for amulets and personal talismans for people who want to strengthen their magical abilities. Strengthens the gift of prophecy.

Provides patronage to people of creative and manual labor.

Strengthens the effect of positive emotions. Helps restore mental balance and find inner peace.

Protects its owner from nightmares. Helps cope with insomnia or excessive sleepiness.

Citrine is the stone of businessmen and jewelers.

The ability to improve thought processes, memory, logical thinking, and concentration helps people with mental work and schoolchildren.

Protects against negative energy which is especially important for media personalities and speakers.

Attracts prosperity to the home, promotes good mood in family relationships.

Considered a stone of wealth. If you put it in a wallet or in a safe with money, it contributes to the influx of capital.

Contact with the sun stone improves mood, helps cope with depression and loss of strength.Thanks to its ability to impart energy, citrine can help in everythingXaffairs.

What name suits

Compositions with citrine will be a wonderful gift and wish for wealth.

Great favor yellow Citrine will bring to the owners of the following names:

• Caroline;

  Valentine;

• Rostislav.

If you don't see your name, there's nothing wrong with that, solar energy kistala can help almost everyone.

It is better to place amulets with citrine in the south-eastern part of the house (responsible for wealth), or rooms where you often gather with your family .

Uses of citrine for various purposes

Citrine is a strong magnet for attracting cash flow.

Using stone in various jewelry You can choose which aspect of your life to have the greatest impact on.

To develop intuitive gifts and extrasensory abilities, preference should be given to earrings with a lemon crystal.

To increase your wealth, place natural citrine in your wallet or on your desk.

In case of sleep disturbances and nightmares, place any product containing a stone under the pillow or hang it above the headboard.

Forreceiving greater strength from natural citrineuse long beads or a pendant hanging loosely on a thread or chain. Thanks to its influence on the solar plexus, it harmonizes energy flows. Helps cope with stress.

Who is it suitable for?

In Russia, citrine was used to attract wealth; most often, a talisman with this mineral could be found among merchants. In India they believed in him protective properties from insect and snake bites. In Rome, he was held in high esteem by orators who led the people.

The mineral is used by representatives of different professions where everyone is looking for their support:

for politicians, the power of persuasion and the ability to speak in public are important;

players, putting on a personal talisman with a solar crystal, count on good luck;

used for inspiration by artists, writers and other creators;

To improve their skills, people who work with their hands use: engravers, jewelers, restorers, surgeons dealing various kinds and handicrafts;

those who make money from information use it to improve mental activity and innovative thinking;

Greatest help citrine stones rendering t businessmen and jewelers.

Citrine suits every zodiac sign. The only one who should not use it as a personal talisman is Scorpio.

Citrine will help everyone.

Born under a star Aries Citrine will help you achieve your goals, help you cope with anxiety before speaking in public, and improve your eloquence. But there is also a downside to using a personal talisman with this stone. When worn constantly, stubbornness and aggression can become hypertrophied. If these character traits prevail, it is better to avoid using the mineral.

Taurus will receive support for their creative gift.

For purposeful representatives of the sign cancer Citrine is suitable. Thanks to the magical power of the stone, crayfish will more easily find the path to fulfilling their dreams.

Born under a star lion The stone is more suitable than other signs. Thanks to the magical power of citrine, lions will be able to develop leadership skills, determination, willpower and the ability to influence others. If the features of a tyrant are pronounced, it is better to refuse a gift in the form of jewelry with citrine.

Virgos will help you achieve financial well-being.

Libra will contribute to achieving career heights.

For Sagittarius will bring health and success in personal affairs.

Capricorn will become a life beacon that will not allow you to stray from your intended path.

Aquarius It is better to refrain from using the stone in order to avoid the development of tyranny, cruelty and aggressiveness. However, for people whose main goal in life is various kinds of achievements, it will become an indispensable assistant.

Ideal for those born in the constellation Pisces, citrine will become an inexhaustible source vital energy and inspiration.

The only sign that is contraindicated from using citrine as a personal talisman is Scorpio.Can be used as a talisman at home.

How to care for citrine

There are no special care requirements. You should remember only one thing: citrine does not like direct influences. sun rays, under the influence of which it loses color. In addition, it should be protected from strong impacts.

No cleaning or recharging is required.

It is better to store it in the vicinity of money, separately from other stones.

To clean the dirt, use ordinary soap and water.

How to recognize a fake

Real citrine has a faint tint. Brighter specimens are a product of heat treatment of quartz. Can they be considered fake if the mineral is natural?

Compatibility with other stones

Ease of processing allows you to make from semi-precious mineral any decoration.

There are stones that enhance its properties. There are also antagonists. Which mineral will it get along with, and which should it not be worn with?

The best symbiosis occurs with stones of the air element, of which it is a representative:

• amazonite;

• chalcedony;

  chrysoprase;

Can be used with fire element stones. This duet helps to enhance the energy of the selected minerals.

• heliolite;

It is better to refrain from simultaneous use with ruby ​​or diamond.

Neutral to representatives of the earth element:

chalcedony;

Avoid mixing with stones of the water element:

• true topaz;

• chrysolite;

  aventurine;

Citrine is magic stone, which influences energy balance and attracts cash flow. In addition, he will become an excellent protector from the evil eye, damage, envy, slander and curse. However, with prolonged use, it can have a negative impact on character development by increasing stubbornness, aggression, and excessive narcissism.

The warm shade of citrine is easily recognizable and loved by many (Latin “Citrus” - lemon yellow). Over its long and rich history, citrine has gained fame as a rare semi-precious stone with mystical properties.

History of the stone

The history of this solar quartz dates back to the Middle Ages. The term “citrine” was introduced into mineralogy in 1747 and has been known since 1556. Citrine cabochons can be seen in crowns, rings and other jewelry of rulers of the past, and in the 19th century, jewelry makers used the mineral to make the seals of important gentlemen. Due to the fact that this stone is rare in nature, back in the Middle Ages it was often obtained artificially by burning amethyst crystals.

The stone is surrounded by a rich aura of legends about its wonderful properties. He is known as a healer and human assistant in mental and physiological activities. Eye-catching, honey-colored citrine warms the owner's soul, giving him inner light, harmony and clarity of thought.

Physical properties

Citrine is a semi-precious stone, one of the varieties of the quartz “family”, it has a hardness (on the Mohs scale) of 7, that is, if you run citrine over glass, it will be scratched.

In nature, “pure” citrine is not found as often as other representatives of this species. The largest citrine is called “Malaga”, given to it after the first exhibition in the city of the same name after cutting; it reaches 20,200 carats and has a size of 25x25x15. Another famous giant is located at the Smithsonian University (a research institute in the USA), its weight is 2258 carats.

Malaga Citrine, the largest cut citrine

Sometimes in nature you can find a stone that simultaneously combines two stones - citrine and amethyst. This unique piece is called “ametrine” and looks very impressive and unusual in jewelry.

Citrine should be worn quite carefully, protecting it from strong mechanical, and especially thermal influences.

From the depths of nature

On Russian territory, citrine origins are found only in the Urals, but the richest territory in this mineral is considered to be Brazil, as well as Madagascar, the USA and Spain. True citrine is a silica, crystalline stone of pale yellow hues that originates in soils with hydrothermal formations. In my own way appearance, after cutting, the stone resembles, but the mineral has one distinctive feature: When the stone is rotated at different angles, quartz changes its shades.

Citrines acquire different shades from light lemon to intense brown-orange, depending on the proportion of iron impurities in their composition. By subjecting amethysts and some varieties of quartz to heat treatment, it is possible to obtain stones of a rich palette of shades, the most noble of which is called Madeira for the similarity of the shade to the deep and thick color of this type of wine. Stones refined in this way do not have the property of dichromism (they do not change shade depending on the viewing angle), but due to their purity and uniform color they resemble topaz. That is why the market is filled with analogues of the mineral, because the quality of refined stones is in no way inferior to natural ones.

By the color of the stone you can determine the nature of its appearance: the palest ones are real mountain citrines, and what brighter stone, the more likely it is that it is another fired quartz, e.g. orange tint already characteristic of scorched amethyst. The stone born from nature does not have such an attractive and rich color as fired smoky quartz; transparency predominates in it.

In the Middle Ages, people practicing alchemy could easily confuse citrine with the stronger and more common topaz, so honey stone has several unspoken names, such as “golden” or “Spanish” topaz.

In search of harmony

Citrine is a stone with long history and an established noble reputation. People used the mineral as amulets of luck, fertility and harmony. The mineral is the patron of the financial side of life; according to ancient beliefs, the owner of the stone attracted success and financial well-being. Fans of gambling believed that it brought good luck and preferred to wear signet rings to attract good fortune.

Due to its warm, honey-golden color, quartz is considered an object that has absorbed solar energy and eternal life, so everyday things (bracelets, beads) were often decorated with stones in order to maintain the inner harmony of the soul and tranquility of the body. Many speakers and public people had citrine inserts in their outfits and jewelry, so that the stone would help carry the necessary energy from the speaker’s speeches and contribute to the correct flow of thoughts.

The stone is known as a healer for diseases and psychological traumas; for example, Buddhist monks believed that the energy contained in citrine has a beneficial effect on the main chakra of the body, giving the necessary balance to all life processes.

In astrology, it is traditionally recommended to be worn by signs under the auspices of Mercury, Gemini (for them it is a faithful assistant in financial matters and a guide to intuition) and Aquarius (facilitates mutual understanding with others and brings success in travel).

The influence of citrine on creativity and creativity is also known. This is a primordial stone-talisman also for artisans.

In Russian tradition, there is a custom of giving as a gift on the thirteenth wedding year.

Jewelry mineral

Citrine was used not only as a jewelry insert for jewelry. They have long been used to decorate icons, stained glass windows, and clothes. Jewelry with citrines gained popularity several centuries ago, and still remains one of the favorites of jewelry makers. The material is not very difficult to process and does not require much effort to create a cut. Thanks to the rich kaleidoscope of its delicate colors, this quartz can be combined with absolutely any metal, and is in perfect harmony with other precious stones. The most advantageous option for citrine in a product is, of course, models made of white and yellow gold, and the best partner for inserts in finished decoration there will be diamonds.

Jewelers, when choosing what shape and cut to give a stone, primarily focus on the transparency of quartz. If citrines do not contain internal defects or cracks, they are cut like diamonds and used for rings, earrings, brooches, and pendants. If the stone is heterogeneous, then its disadvantages turn into advantages when cut into cabochons and inlaid into bracelets and necklaces.

Larger clear-colored stones are used for brooches and pendants, while smaller quartz stones look great in rings, earrings, bracelets and many other jewelry designs.

Fashion sizes

Fashion will never leave gems. Likewise, citrine in its lemon shades is gaining more and more popularity among lovers of beauty. Citrine is a frequent guest on world catwalks, never losing its status as a favorite of fashion designers. Now it is one of the most popular stones in fashion trends autumn-winter season 2014-15.

This stone has no age restrictions; both young ladies and older ladies can wear jewelry with citrines. The mineral is not striking, but will not go unnoticed in any situation, be it an ordinary day, or some special event where numerous glances will be directed at your person. The stone goes perfectly not only with evening dresses, but will also highlight your individuality with its warmth every day at any time of the year.

Probably, this is exactly the thought that occurred to scientists of the Enlightenment era (18th century), who finally gave this lemon-colored mineral its own “citrus” name and an honorable place in the list of gems from the family.

Before for a long time transparent yellowish citrine was mistaken for pale, and sometimes - for, clouded with sulfur impurities. In fact, mineral crystals do indeed have additives, but these are iron ions.

Brownish-yellow citrines, mined in mines near the Spanish city of Cordoba, are still traditionally called Spanish topaz.

What color is citrine?

The most common color of citrine is lemon yellow of varying intensities. The mineral also exhibits all sorts of honey shades. Some stones resemble in color.

The beautiful wine-yellow citrine stone was once mined in the Ural mines, but the reserves of this mineral there have long been exhausted.

In exclusive stylish jewelry a rare golden type of mineral known as “golden topaz” is used. It is brought from Brazil, from the island of Madagascar. Sometimes a few mines in Scotland gift miners with golden gems. These stones are in perfect harmony with the gold frame, as if merging with the metal and growing out of it.

There are greenish citrines. They were once mistaken for .

For jewelry processing An opaque variety of citrine may also be suitable if the sample does not have internal fractures.

Pseudo-citrine, son of amethyst

In nature, yellow citrine is rare. Much more common are its quartz relatives in other colors, such as smoky quartz, blue and purple. These minerals are subjected to heat treatment. When heated at high temperatures, they acquire a lemon color. This is how the common quartz and familiar amethyst turns into the mysterious citrine.

Replacement quartz is calcined to + 400-500 °C over a closed fire. After a few hours they turn yellow. An irreversible transformation of the crystalline structure of the mineral occurs. Subsequently this thick bright color remains stable, but if you look closely, you can discern a reddish or reddish tone.

This inevitable sign of a fake is clearly visible in the photo.

Brazilian amethysts change color several times during the heating process. By selecting the temperature, you can get a stone of the desired shade. When heated above + 500 °C, the properties of stone from Brazilian deposits change so much that it becomes orange, or even red, like.

It is from such “baked” amethysts that almost all “citrine” jewelry is made, offered for consumer goods as semiprecious stones citrine. Jewelers call such a surrogate the “son of amethyst.”

Natural citrine stone differs from a fake by weak pleochroism - a slight but quite noticeable change in color when viewing the product from different angles. The fact is that the edges of the processed natural stone polarize light differently.

Calcined amethyst disguised as citrine does not exhibit such properties.

Jewelry with details

Often in shop windows sparkle gems with double sonorous names: grand citrine, imperial citrine, Madeira citrine (here we mean the similarity with the color of the famous wine). Traders delicately call such tricks “clarifications”, emphasizing the saturation of color.

But in nature there are no citrines with such incredible saturation. Natural citrine gem is colored with pale lemon tones, and this is another indicator for those who are interested in how to distinguish it from a fake.

So citrine with specification is an obvious counterfeit. The “varieties” of semi-precious stones invented by sellers mislead inexperienced buyers.

The magic of citrine

Alchemists believed magical properties Citrine is the basis for the transformation of the Philosopher's Stone.

Esotericists of all schools and directions unanimously believe that citrine condenses a piece of the wisdom of spiritual teachers - Mithra, Hermes, Zoroaster, Buddha, Jesus Christ.

Buddhist monks of Tibet, striving to understand the Universal wisdom through their own essence, wear simple yellow robes - from the novice neophyte to the Dalai Lama. In their worldview, yellow symbolizes not so much wisdom itself, but rather embodies the true desire for it.

In India, yellow is the color of mourning. However, sadness for the departed to a loved one The Hindus have light. Regret over personal loss fades before the realization that in front of them is only dead flesh, the shell of a soul striving for a new incarnation.

This is why golden yellow citrine is so coveted for decorating Buddhist shrines, ritual objects and powerful spiritual amulets.

Followers of the Enlightened Shakyamuni see in citrine a bridge connecting the material and spiritual worlds.

Citrine and Zodiac

Lithoastrology associates citrine with the planetary influence of Venus and the zodiac signs Taurus and Libra. Moreover, Taurus is recommended to wear citrine jewelry on the neck, and Libra - on the waist (for example, the stone can be built into a belt buckle).

In accordance with the zodiac instructions, it is better for these signs to wear citrine rings on the index finger (Taurus) and middle finger (Libra).

Citrines accompanied by zircon and set in silver are good for them.

This mineral, compatible with those born under the zodiac sign Virgo, should not be worn by Scorpios.

And here Eastern horoscope does not see such restrictions.

You can try to determine for yourself who the mineral is suitable for.

This ancient method is practiced.

Place citrine under your pillow at night, and in the morning try to remember what you dreamed about. The plot of the dream does not matter, what matters is the sensations. The amulet should give a calm, complete rest.

If you had a feeling of anxiety in a dream, and in the morning you notice that you didn’t sleep well, unfortunately, this is not your stone.

In a similar way, you can determine your spiritual compatibility with the magic of other minerals.

Amulet of the Seers

Citrine amulets provide the owner's brain with subconscious information about upcoming events. Therefore, seers at all times used it for predictions along with magic crystal balls. Both minerals pick up weak, indistinct vibrations of the astral world and strengthen them.

This is not the speculation of esotericists at all. Citrine, like any quartz (including crystal), is capable of perceiving and generating waves of a certain frequency. At one time, citrine was even used to make high-quality piezoelements for radio transmitters and other devices in the electrical industry.

Citrine heals

For lithotherapeutic procedures, the mineral is used only in natural forms that have not been touched by the cutter's cutter. The stone loves sunlight, it is saturated with the energy of the Sun, condensing it in its crystals.

Very rarely, eminent doctors order jewelers to specially cut stones, which promotes more active refraction of rays and accumulation of their healing energy. This is an expensive accessory. But such stones are also the most active amulets.

But such a rare citrine nugget, strewn with crystals with natural edges, receives thousands of times more powerfully and then emits magical solar energy. Fine druses and granular aggregates of citrine crystals adorn mineral collections.

Lithotherapists often plan treatment procedures with citrine for the second half of a clear sunny day, and from dawn to noon they place the healing mineral in the most illuminated place.

It is at dawn that citrine catches the magical green ray of the rising luminary, tuning its structure to perceive light energy.

Since citrine is a sun stone, it affects the third chakra, located in the solar plexus area. Its influence on a person is transmitted not through rational functions, but through emanations of energy introduced by the solar mineral. Healing energy spreads throughout the body, but its waves have the strongest effect on the most important organs close to the solar plexus - the pancreas, liver, kidneys. The healing energy of citrine for the female body is irreplaceable. The stone has a beneficial effect on the reproductive organs and suppresses the inflammatory processes that occur in them.

Japanese practice of longevity and prosperity

Far away in the Pacific Ocean there is an amazing island country where the ancient solar cult is succinctly reflected even on the national flag.

The Japanese call their homeland Nippon, which means “The Place Where the Sun Rises.” This concept is conveyed by these ancient magical hieroglyphs - 日本国.

Treatments with warm, sun-rich citrine are widespread in Japan. Even completely healthy people regularly perform them on their own - to prevent the body. Maybe that’s why there are so many centenarians in the Land of the Rising Sun. Most residents of this remote archipelago are over 82 years old.

In the magic of Japanese Shintoism, this stone, associated with the sacred Sun, is especially revered. It is considered a talisman of prosperity and longevity.

Today, most of the citrines on sale are processed quartz. The bulk of citrines sold have an artificial color, obtained either as a result of heat treatment of amethyst, rauchtopaz (smoky quartz) or morion, or by irradiation of rock crystal.

The similarity of color is achieved by calcining amethyst at a temperature of 500 °C, after which it becomes stable yellow. Some varieties of smoky quartz turn yellow when heated to 300-400 °C.

The photo on the left is an annealed amethyst.

All heat-treated stones have a thicker color, and almost all of them have a noticeable reddish tint. Natural citrines are usually pale yellow.

Pseudo-citrines heated to a certain temperature do not have pleochroism, and crystals with natural colors show weak pleochroism.

False citrines are also made from glass. Natural citrine changes color shade depending on the viewing angle - this is its visual distinguishing feature from glass imitations. As you turn the stone from one side to the other, you should observe changes in the color of the stone.

As a result of calcination at temperatures of 545-575°C, Brazilian amethysts become cloudy milky and opalescent, similar to Moonstone. This method produces a material from low-grade stones that very successfully imitates moonstone (iridizing feldspar).

Synthetic and natural citrines can be distinguished by the nature and composition of gas inclusions. Natural ferruginous citrines almost always contain inclusions of hydrogoethite or hematite, and chlorite and micas are also found. Gas-liquid inclusions are distinguished by a variety of morphologies and unequal ratios of liquid and gas phases.

In synthetic ferruginous citrines inclusions of chlorite, micas and other natural minerals are never detected. However, sparkles of metallic copper can be noted. Gas-liquid inclusions in synthetic citrines, as a rule, are absent, but even if they occur, they are characterized by a constant ratio of liquid gas phases.

Ferrous citrines, which are obtained by annealing amethyst, contain polysynthetic Brazilian twins and therefore have a rough fracture surface. Synthetic ferruginous citrines are not subject to Brazilian twinning and have a smooth fracture. They do not show dichroism, which is usually clearly manifested in natural crystals.

Among synthetic citrines, illogical to natural ones, two varieties are distinguished by the nature of the coloring centers. In one of them, the color is of a radiation nature, in the other it is due to the presence of a chromophore impurity of iron.

Synthetic quartz, which acquires a citrine golden-yellow color when exposed to ionizing radiation, contains small inclusions of aegirine.

Synthetic citrines, the color of which is associated with the presence of chromophore impurities of trivalent and, to a lesser extent, divalent iron, have become famous in the jewelry market. These crystals, in their physical and jewelry properties can be most closely compared to natural ferruginous citrines. Including those obtained by annealing natural amethyst.

How to distinguish natural citrine from imitations:

Any synthetic quartz (this is also true for artificial citrine, regardless of the nature of the color - radiation or impurity) is purer than natural quartz and is used in technology.

Whole crystals of high-grade optical quartz are rare; Usually, only individual conditioned monoblock sections are cut out of them.

The price of conditioned piezo-optical quartz is 10-20 times or more (depending on the size of the monoblocks) higher than the price of an equal unit of mass of jewelry rock crystal, in which only its transparency and the absence of visible defects (inclusions, cracks, etc.) are valued. In general, perfectly transparent quartz should raise suspicion, since it is impossible to distinguish synthesis from natural quartz.

Let's look at the possible annealing of smoky quartz or morion. For this you need establish the presence of dichroism in citrine, which is absent in annealed stones.

First, a little about the dichroism effect.

A ray of light passing through a birefringent crystal consists of two polarized rays (ordinary and extraordinary), the oscillations of which occur in mutually perpendicular planes. If the crystal is colored, each of the rays undergoes a different degree or type of absorption and, emerging from the crystal, has a different color than the other polarized ray. When viewing a stationary stone with the naked eye, this beam splitting effect is not visible, but if the stone is turned so that the light ray passes in different directions, the change in color of the mineral depending on the direction is clearly visible. This phenomenon with a two-color effect is called dichroism, with a multicolor effect - pleochroism.

You just need to find a source of polarized light: this is a regular LCD (LCD or TFT) monitor screen (strictly not a CRT (CRT) monitor). Select White background monitor color, bring the citrine crystal to the screen with the tip up and rotate slowly clockwise. The color of a natural (or artificially irradiated) citrine crystal should vary from yellow to bright yellow, demonstrating dichroism. Glass does not have this effect.