Crystal of the month: CITRINE
Citrine
Chemical Makeup: SiO2
Crystalline structure: Hexagonal
Colors: Pale yellow to brown
Hardness: 7
Localities: Brazil, Spain, Bolivia, France, Russia, Madagascar, USA
Birthstone: November
Astrology: Associated with the planet Mercury. Astrological birthstone for Virgo and Libra.
Associated Chakra(s): Solar Plexus Chakra
Metaphysical properties: Uplifting, joyful, confident
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Gently expansive, relaxing and comforting.
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A stone of joy, it brings confidence and the energy to succeed.
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Supports the acceptance of constructive criticism while releasing the tendency to resist spiritual growth by taking things personally and being overly sensitive when others are offering useful advice from a place of loving support.
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Encourages creativity, joy and going with the flow of life.
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Connects opposing energies, especially between desire and reality, idealism and pragmatism and relaxation and action.
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A stone of abundance and manifestation, it disperses gloom and negativity while inviting happiness and generosity into all areas of daily life.
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Encourages enjoyment and exploration of new experiences and perspectives.
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Improves energy and circulation and lessens chronic fatigue.
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One of the few stones that does not hold or accumulate negative energy, but instead transmutes and dissipates it, working out problems on both physical and subtle levels.
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It never needs cleansing or clearing.
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Treats degenerative diseases by stimulates regeneration and re-energizing all systems of the body.
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Soothes the digestive and nervous systems and brings clarity and focus to the mind.
History:
Citrine has long been confused with topaz (another common November birthstone) because of it’s similarity in color, however they are, in fact, unrelated minerals.
Citrine gemstones were used by the Egyptians as talismans, Roman priests set them into rings, and the ancient Greeks used them for iconic carvings. Chinese legends call citrine “The Stone of Success.”
Natural citrine is a rare mineral formed by the presence of trace amounts of iron in quartz crystals. In the mid 18th century it was discovered that amethyst and smoky quartz could be heat-treated to produce the same colors as natural citrine, and this heat-treated citrine makes up the majority of citrine on the market today.
Interesting fact:
Citrine can form together with smoky quartz or amethyst crystals to form a bicolored quartz called ametrine.