Citrine
The word "citrine" comes from an old French word, citrin, meaning yellow. Citrine is a quartz crystal, which varies in color from pale yellow to deep amber. Quartz is the most abundant single mineral on earth and makes up about 12% or the earth’s crust because it occurs in a wide variety of igneous metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Most commercial grade Citrine is mined in Brazil. Citrine is much less expensive than the similar looking yellow sapphire or yellow diamonds. Unscrupulous dealers have often passed off citrine as the more expensive Topaz; therefore it is sometimes disregarded entirely by those wishing to avoid being scammed. In addition, often times low grade amethyst or smoky quartz are heated to high temperatures to produce the more profitable orange-yellow citrine. Be sure to buy from a reputable dealer.
Citrine has a hardness value of 7 and is often used as a substitute for the birthstone for November. It has also been designated the gemstone for thirteenth wedding anniversaries. The astrological signs of citrine are Gemini, Aries, Libra and Leo.
Citrine’s metaphysical properties are thought to include stimulating one’s mental capacities, enhancing creativity and intuition and bolstering self-confidence. It is believed to inspire warmth, prosperity and ease. It’s further thought to help self-realization and personal goals to work together in harmony. According to legend, citrine protects against snake venom and evil thoughts.
Citrine is said to be helpful in removing toxins from the body and is used by some to treat muscular disorders and stimulate healing in general. It’s believed to help ailments of the heart, kidneys, liver and digestive system. It is used for relief from the effects of radiation and to help the body absorb antioxidants.
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