Citrine is a very popular crystal that yields many questions from our customers, not only about how to use it, but also about the differences between Natural and Heat-Treated Citrine. There is considerable misinformation about heat-treated citrine out there – it can be improperly labeled as a synthetic crystal, which it is not; rather, it is a natural crystal that has undergone a treatment process. Additionally, it is misguided to categorize it as a “fake” stone. Despite these misconceptions, heat-treated citrine remains a natural crystal that has been treated to alter its color centers. This treatment does not diminish the crystal’s inherent energy; instead, it modifies the frequency of the energy that can be harnessed from it.
Heat-treated citrine is an additional ally in the realm of solar plexus crystals, offering unique benefits distinct from Natural Citrine. Both varieties are valuable and have distinct roles within energy work. Let us delve into the energetics of both natural and heat-treated citrine.
Raven's Methodology for Understanding the energy of a crystal
I have developed a distinctive methodology for evaluating crystal energy, and I’m excited to share it beyond the walls of my classroom for the very first time. A brief explanation will set the stage for what’s to come.
Back in the late 1990s and early 2000s, my journey into the world of crystals began, as is the case for many, with Judy Hall’s Crystal Bible. After some time with it, my inquisitive mind began asking deeper questions, particularly the pivotal question: “Why?” If a specific crystal is said to benefit bone health, I demand a thorough understanding of the reasons that support this claim. What inherent properties empower this crystal to deliver such results? Likewise, when a crystal is credited with enhancing psychic abilities, my inquiry remains: why? As someone who practices witchcraft, I truly understand that authentic magick is deeply rooted in the natural world. The magick we see in stories like Harry Potter is theatrical and lacks the essence of real practices. The physical laws that govern our universe also apply to energetic matters, as they are fundamentally intertwined. My desire to uncover the physical laws that inform the energetic properties of each crystal fuels my exploration.
This ambitious quest was not without its challenges. While most metaphysical literature outlines the physical classifications of crystals, few delve into the reasoning behind their energetic features. Undeterred, I embarked on a lifelong pursuit to grasp the intricate connections between these phenomena. My journey involved studying geology, mineralogy, chemistry, physics, and alchemy—each discipline enriching my understanding. I owe a great deal to my ADHD, which has driven me through these various fields of inquiry. It’s important to recognize that I’m just beginning to scratch the surface; despite holding a background in engineering, I don’t claim to be a scientist. My educational path has only equipped me to tackle a portion of the material I encounter.
Having grasped the foundational processes behind crystal formation, I employed my esoteric knowledge in alignment with a vital principle of magick: “As above, so below.” By incorporating elements of medical astrology and alchemy, I crafted the system outlined below to clarify the energy associated with each crystal. This article serves as a starting point—not a comprehensive course. As I explore each crystal property, I will present insights in a language I trust will be clear and accessible, in parentheses next to each property. The alchemical elements that connect with the geologic processes are also marked, as well as the planetary correspondences of each element. Lastly, I rely on the principles of Yin and Yang only to represent energy movement, with Yin representing energy moving down and in (generally for inner work) and Yang with energy moving up and out (from us into the world). This is by no means a definitive account of Yin/Yang theory, and I use these terms loosely to characterize energy movement.
Let’s dive in without further hesitation.
Natural Citrine - Mother Earth's Gift
Natural Citrine is formed deep within Mother Earth. Below, I will outline the requirements for its formation and some of its physical characteristics.
How Natural Citrine is Formed
Physical Requirements for Natural Citrine to Form:
- Silicon Dioxide (SiO2): As a variety of quartz, a base of silica-rich hydrothermal fluids is necessary. (Saturn 1/Water 3/ Yin 3)
- Trace Iron Impurities: Trace amounts of iron must be present within the quartz crystal structure. The presence of iron oxide (such as goethite, FeO(OH), or hematite, Fe2O3 allows for charge transfer, producing the yellow, yellow-brown, or smoky-orange color. (Mars 3/Water 5, Air 1/Yin 5, Yang 4)
- Natural Heat: The environment must be hot (roughly 350°C to 500°C) to oxidize the iron within the quartz. (Fire 1/Air 1/ Yang 2)
- Natural Irradiation: The presence of radioactive elements in the surrounding rock, which causes radiation that acts upon the iron impurities, is responsible for the color in many natural specimens. (Fire 1/Yang 1)
- Iron vs. Aluminum: While some natural citrine gets its color from iron, others (often called “aluminum citrine”) get their color from a combination of iron and aluminum, in the presence of radiation, similar to smoky quartz.
- Time: A prolonged, undisturbed geological period lasting millions of years is required. (Calm, Peace)
Natural Citrine is often found in granite, a coarse-grained igneous rock composed of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Citrine crystals may form in veins or cavities within the granite, or may be present as inclusions or coatings on other minerals. It can also form in pegmatites, another type of igneous rock that forms from the cooling and crystallization of magma at a relatively slow rate. They are known for their large crystal sizes and complex mineral compositions, and are a common source of gemstones and minerals such as citrine.
Gneiss is a metamorphic rock that forms from the transformation of pre-existing rocks under high heat and pressure. Citrine may be present in gneiss as a result of the recrystallization of quartz-rich sediments or rocks. Another metamorphic rock it can form with is schist, which forms from the recrystallization of pre-existing rocks under high heat and pressure. Citrine may be present in schist as a result of the metamorphism of quartz-rich rocks or sediments.
Citrine may also be found in hydrothermal veins, which are mineral deposits that form from hot, mineral-rich fluids that circulate through fractures and faults in the earth’s crust. These veins may be associated with a variety of rock types, including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. (Water 1, Fire 1/ Yin 1, Yang 1)
Physical Properties and Energetics at Play
Physical properties of Natural Citrine:
- Chemical Formula: SiO2 – Saturn1 /Water 2/ Yin 3
- Type: Igneous Rocks, Metamorphic Rocks, Sedimentary – (Motivation, New Beginnings/Transformation/Layered Understanding/Connection to Ether/NA
- Crystal System: Trigonal – Fire 4, Earth 1/Yang 4, Yin 1
- Color: Dark Yellow to brown – Sacral Chakra
- Trace/Color: Iron, Aluminum – Mars 1, Mercury 1/Yang 1
- Moh’s Scale: 7 – Protection, Boundaries/Yin 1
- Transparency: Translucent to transparent – Clarity, self-image
- Lustre: vitreous (glass-like) – Clarity, focus
- Fracture/Cleavage: conchoidal fracture – Feminine energy/Yin 1
- Habit: Prismatic Crystals, Scepter, Striated, Massive, Tessin, Gwindel, Skeleton/Elestial, and Druzy – Seeing hidden things, Leadership/Personal Growth, Higher frequencies, Adaptability, Evolution, Personal Transformation, Ancestral Work)
- Birefringent: Natural Citrine is a birefringent mineral, meaning it splits light into two rays as it passes through the crystal. (Seeing in 2 worlds/Balancing the physical and energetic)
- Weak to moderate dichroism: Dichroism is a phenomenon where a crystal selectively absorbs specific polarizations of light more than others, which causes it to display different colors depending on the angle of the incident light. (Can absorb excess energy)
- Color Zoning: Color zoning in crystals is the uneven, natural distribution of color within a single gemstone, appearing as distinct bands, patches, or gradients. Caused by fluctuating environmental conditions—such as pressure, temperature, or chemical composition—during crystal growth, these zones often exhibit varying shades or entirely different colors. (Internal changes)
- Chakra: Sacral – Water 1/Venus 1, The Moon 1/ Yin 3
Energetic Totals: Saturn 3, Mars 5, Mercury 2, The Moon 1, Venus 1/ Water 12, Fire 9, Earth 3, Air 2/ Yin 22, Yang 17
Energetic Profile (primary energies at play within this crystal): Saturn 1, Mars 3/Water 10, Fire 7, Earth 1/Yin 5
Working with Natural Citrine
This exceptional and valuable crystal channels powerful energy to the sacral chakra, empowering us to nurture relationships and creativity. The Saturnian and Earth energies enable us to establish clear boundaries with friends and loved ones, ensuring our relationships are strong and healthy. This crystal primarily engages with the water element, initiating its transformative work in the emotional body, and motivating us to take decisive action, protecting our feelings and choices from the influence of others.
The true power of this crystal shines in inner and shadow work, guiding us to initiate transformation from within. The changes we seek become our conscious choice rather than being dictated by external circumstances. It offers grounding energy, especially for those who may find themselves emotionally overwhelmed during stressful periods. Its nurturing essence provides essential support as you navigate life’s challenges.
Natural citrine enhances our creative potential, enabling us to manifest tangible expressions of our feelings. This makes it an essential crystal for artists of all kinds, particularly those who craft their art by hand.
I often recommend natural citrine as a powerful starting point for anyone on a journey of self-discovery or embracing self-love. It brings clarity amid chaotic emotional landscapes, helping individuals discern truth from emotional drama. It is a remarkable crystal for those making significant decisions about relationships, offering not just a clearer understanding of their circumstances but also insights into their roles within those relationships, which can often be obscured.
Raven often advises customers, “If you’re not ready to confront the truth about your current relationship, you might want to think twice before choosing natural citrine!”
Connections to the Physical Body
Natural citrine is strongly linked to bone health, thanks to its connection with Saturn and the root chakra, as well as supporting the Immune and Adrenal systems through its relationship with Mars. Its ties to the Sacral chakra also promote abdominal health, particularly concerning hormonal balance in both men and women.
Heat-Treated Citrine - A Natural Change Made By Man
Heat-treated citrine is generally created by heating low-grade amethyst or smoky quartz to alter the color centers. It is sometimes referred to as “baked or burnt” citrine.
How Heat-Treated Citrine is Formed
Physical Requirements for Creating Heat-Treated Citrine.
Because natural citrine is rare, most yellow citrine sold on the market is created by treating lower-grade purple amethyst or smoky quartz.
- Temperature: Heating amethyst to approximately 470°C to 560°C, or smoky quartz to 350°C and 450°C. (Transformation through fire/Fire 1/Yang 1)
- In Smoky Quartz: The aluminum color centers fade around 200°C, but the Al-centers themselves can change into yellow-producing centers upon further heating, resulting in a stable, permanent color change. The transformation depends on the ratio of aluminum to impurities like lithium or hydrogen within the crystal lattice. (Transformation of Mercury, based on how much Moon and Air energy are present – Mercury 1, The Moon 1, Air 1, Fire 1/ Yang 2, Yin 1)
- In Amethyst: Darker amethyst usually has a higher iron concentration and produces a more intense yellow or orange color, while lighter amethyst may turn a paler yellow. If heated above 600°C, the crystal may turn white or gray. If the amethyst has low iron content or other impurities, it may appear white or milky rather than yellow. (Mars 1/ Yang 1).
Heat-treated citrine is created by baking low-grade amethyst or smoky quartz in a kiln or oven. There are a few key differences between natural and heat-treated citrine that can be used to distinguish between the two:
- Color: Natural citrine ranges from yellow to brown, with variations in saturation and tone, while heat-treated citrine tends to have a more uniform, artificial-looking yellow color.
- Inclusions: Natural citrine may contain some inclusions or imperfections, while heat-treated citrine is usually free of inclusions.
- Price: Natural citrine is generally more expensive than heat-treated citrine, since it is a rarer and more valuable gemstone.
- Origin: Natural citrine is mined from the Earth, while heat-treated citrine is created in a laboratory.
While both natural and heat-treated citrine can be used in jewelry and other decorative applications, some people prefer the unique character and natural beauty of natural citrine. In contrast, others may prefer the uniformity and affordability of heat-treated citrine. They are both natural crystals, and the heating process only alters the color of the crystal.
Physical Properties and Energetics at Play
- Chemical Formula: SiO2 – Included in Parent Crystals
- Type: Igneous Rocks, Metamorphic Rocks, Sedimentary – (Motivation, New Beginnings/Transformation/Layered Understanding/Connection to Ether/NA
- Crystal System: Trigonal – Included in Parent Crystals
- Color: Bright Yellow to light brown (Solar Plexus Chakra)
- Trace/Color: Iron, Aluminum – Mars 1, Mercury 1 /Yang 1
- Moh’s Scale: 7 – Included in Parent Crystals
- Transparency: Translucent to transparent (Clarity, self-image)
- Lustre: vitreous (glass-like) (Clarity, focus)
- Fracture/Cleavage: conchoidal fracture (Feminine energy/included in parent crystal)
- Habit: Prismatic Crystals, Scepter, Striated, Massive, Tessin, Gwindel, Skeleton/Elestial, and Druzy – Seeing hidden things, Leadership/Personal Growth, Higher frequencies, Adaptability, Evolution, Personal Transformation, Ancestral Work
- Fluorescence: Some heat-treated citrine specimens exhibit fluorescence, meaning they emit visible light when exposed to ultraviolet light, a property inherited from the parent crystal. – Seeing hidden things
- Birefringent: Citrine is a birefringent mineral, meaning it splits light into two rays as it passes through the crystal, and is also inherited from its parent crystal. (Seeing in 2 worlds/Balancing the physical and energetic)
- Weak to moderate dichroism: Dichroism is a phenomenon where a crystal selectively absorbs specific polarizations of light more than others, which causes it to display different colors depending on the angle of the incident light. This is also inherited from its parent crystal. (Can absorb excess energy)
- Color Zoning: Color zoning in crystals is the uneven, natural distribution of color within a single gemstone, appearing as distinct bands, patches, or gradients. Caused by fluctuating environmental conditions—such as pressure, temperature, or chemical composition—during crystal growth, these zones often exhibit varying shades or entirely different colors. (Internal changes)
- Chakra: Solar Plexus Chakra (Mars 1, The Sun 1/Yang 2)
Energetic Totals for Heat Treated Citrine: Mars 3, Mercury 2, The Sun 1/Fire 2, Air 1/Yin 1, Yang 7
Inherited Amethyst Energetic Totals: Saturn 2, Mars 2, The Moon 1, The Sun 1, Jupiter 1/Water 6, Fire 8, Air 2, Earth 3/ Yin 13, Yang 12
Inherited Smoky Quartz Energetic Totals: Saturn 3, Mercury 2, Venus 1, The Moon 1/ Water 7, Fire 6, Earth 3/ Yin 16, Yang 6
Combined Profiles (highest numbers of parent profiles plus energetic totals of Heat Treated Citrine): Saturn 3, Mars 5, Mercury 4, The Sun 2, The Moon 2, Venus 1, Jupiter 1 /Water 7, Fire 10, Air 3, Earth 3/Yin 17, Yang 19
Child (Heat Treated Citrine) Energetic Profile: Saturn 3, Mars 4, The Sun 1, The Moon 1/Water 4, Fire 7/Yang 2
Working with Heat Treated Citrine
Heat-treated citrine retains the unique fluorescence of its parent crystal, unlike natural citrine. This quality empowers us to delve deeply into ourselves, revealing hidden aspects that may obstruct our authentic nature from shining through.
Firmly anchored in the solar plexus chakra, this crystal connects us to our purpose and serves as a powerful ally for anyone embarking on a journey of authenticity or self-discovery. Its vigorous Mars energy inspires action, encouraging us to enter the world fearlessly and unapologetically embrace who we are. This high-energy crystal energizes and enlightens.
A premier protective crystal, it safeguards against those who would diminish us and distract us from our true essence. It unlocks the deep-seated purpose we brought into the world, ensuring we lead the life we are destined for, not one dictated by outside influences.
In contrast to natural citrine, which has a downward and inward energy flow (Yin), heat-treated citrine’s energy ascends and radiates outward (Yang), making it a crystal of action. This crystal prepares you to take decisive action and advance your initiatives. It purifies personal energy, filtering out what does not align with our true selves.
A crystal of courage, call upon your citrine ally whenever you seek that extra boost to express your voice and ideas. For artists and creators, it serves as a remarkable crystal to break through creative blocks and let your inner voice resonate freely. For individuals engaged in self-discovery, this crystal is foundational and essential.
Connections to the Physical Body
Heat-Treated Citrine’s purifying qualities can extend to the physical body, addressing inflammation and supporting the immune system (energized by Mars) when it may be out of balance. Additionally, it bolsters bone health (associated with Saturn), heart health (connected to the Sun), digestive health (linked to the solar plexus chakra and the Moon), and overall mental well-being (also related to the Moon).