Things To Know About Citrine

Executive Summary about Citrine by Dr. Mark Clayson

Citrine is a variety of a quartz stone which is usually yellowish to brownish in color. Jewelers find use for this type of quartz as a gem setting on a ring or necklace. Citrine happens to be the most valuable quartz gemstone.

How it is formed

Under natural conditions, citrine is colored yellow to orange and is generally of a lighter shade compared to the heat-treated stones which usually turn reddish-brown or orange brown. In some cases, the crystals in amethyst deposits can be changed partially or fully to a citrine mineral of the brown variety mainly by natural means of heating. In other cases, treating smoky quartz with heat can also produce citrine.

Citrine is naturally an amber-colored stone. It is a combination of ferric iron and quartz and is rarely found naturally but can be manufactured artificially from other gem stones.

Citrine in History

Citrine was also used in ancient times as an amulet to protect the bearer or the wearer from a snake’s venom and even evil thoughts. It is also one of two birthstones for the month of November.

Naturally Occurring Citrines

To the untrained eye, it is easy to mistake a topaz for a citrine. Some unscrupulous individuals have begun to hype up the market with citrine as a more valuable variety of topaz. In general, all topazes with a prefix are considered heat-treated citrine such as Madeira topaz, gold topaz, Brazilian topaz, false topaz and citrine topaz. The only three exceptions to this rule are oriental topaz, precious topaz and imperial topaz, which are incidentally the most-sought after topaz varieties.

The experts in the jewelry industry have come up with ingenious ways of producing more expensive specimens of amethyst and smoky quartz. In nature, citrines are usually pale yellow but the heat treated specimens come out as orange or reddish shades. Under natural conditions citrine starts out as amethyst then changes to citrine due to heat emitted by magnetic bodies. Citrine from amethyst can be changed back to a purple shade through the process of beta radiation

A popular gemstone, ametrine, is in fact a combination of amethyst and citrine.

Chakra Crystals

Executive Summary about Chakra Crystal by Tracey Aldous (www.morrigancrystals.co.uk)

Crystals are used to balance and heal one or more of the seven Chakras. They are all named and can be located at different parts of the body. The Chakras are aligned in an ascending column from the base of the spine to the top of the head. Each Chakra is associated with a certain colour. The Chakras vitalise the physical body and are said produce physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well being.

The Seven Chakras

Root or Base Chakra, also called Muladhara is located at the base of the spine. Its focus is on survival, instinct, security and grounding with a psychic focus on spatial intuition. Crystals that can be used for this Chakra are red or black in colour. Ideal crystals to use would be Garnet, Ruby, Red Jasper, Black Tourmaline or Smoky Quartz.

Sacral Chakra, also called Swadhisthana is located on the lower abdomen just below the naval. Its focus is on emotion, creativity, intimacy, sensuality and health with a psychic focus on balance. Crystals that can be used for this Chakra are orange. Ideal crystals to use would be Amber, Citrine, Carnelian, Orange Calcite or Topaz.

Solar Plexus Chakra, also called manipura is located in the stomach area. Its focus is on emotional stability, confidence, control and power with a psychic focus on healing and teaching powers. Crystals that can be used for this Chakra are yellow. Ideal crystals to use would be Golden Topaz, Tiger’s Eye, Citrine, or Yellow Tourmaline.

Heart Chakra, also called anahata is located in the centre of the chest. Its focus is on empathy, compassion, healing and unconditional love with a psychic focus on clairsentience and intuition. Crystals that can be used for this Chakra are green or sometimes pink. Ideal crystals to use would be Aventurine, Emerald, Jade, Kunzite or Rose Quartz.

Throat Chakra, also called Vishuddha is located on the throat. Its focus is on communication, telling the truth and spontaneity with a psychic focus on expression. Crystals that can be used for this Chakra are light blue. Ideal crystals to use would be Aquamarine, Chyrsocolla, Lapis Lazuli, Sodalite or Turquoise.

Third Eye Chakra, also called ajna is located on the centre of the forehead. Its focus is on intuition, clarity and discernment with a psychic focus on clairvoyance. Crystals that can be used for this Chakra are dark blue or indigo. Ideal crystals to use would be Blue Calcite, Lapis Lazuli, purple Fluorite or Amethyst.

Crown Chakra, also called sahasrara is located on top of the head. Its focus is on ones higher self and spirituality with a psychic focus on claircognisance. Crystals that can be used for this Chakra are white or purple. Ideal crystals to use would be Amethyst, Clear Quartz, Selenite or Chaorite.

Heart Shaped Crystal Ornaments – An Elegant Choice for Bridal Favors

Executive Summary about Cryastal by Sarah Callen

Finding an elegant yet relatively inexpensive bridal favor can be a challenge. If you are looking for something classy and beautiful to give as a wedding favor that won’t cost you an arm and a leg you may want to consider heart shaped crystal ornaments. Here are some ideas on how you can use these beautiful crystal ornaments to create lovely favors for your bridal party.

Crystal itself is classy, elegant and dazzling. The play of the light off the crystal creates a magical display, making crystal ornaments a wonderful way to dress up any table or gift. The great thing about crystal ornaments is that they are relatively inexpensive, yet they look luxurious and are substantial enough to work as a favor on their own. If you prefer, however, you can also incorporate them with other small gifts to create a one-of-a-kind wedding favor.

For a practical yet fun favor, try hanging a heart shaped crystal ornaments around a package of gourmet coffee for each of your bridal party. They can hang the crystal ( hanging crystals ) in their window to catch the light while they enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee. Not only that, but the addition of the crystal can make even a rather plain package of coffee look elegant and exotic so it is a great way to keep your costs down without looking cheap.

While crystal heart ornaments are a great choice for a wedding favor since they symbolize love, if your wedding is during the winter consider choosing crystal snowflake ornaments instead. These 3-dimensional ornaments are intricately designed and are a unique and lasting gift.

To personalize your favors, consider getting the crystal ornaments engraved with either your wedding date, with the name of the person receiving the favor, or with a lovely sentiment that will create a lasting memory of your wedding. There are many different styles of crystal ornaments that can be engraved and the personalization will make them even more special to your bridal party.