Citrine, a beautiful stone that looks like it's full of sunshine! Do you know how to tell the fakes from the natural pieces? Probably not. Most of our crystal and rock books include heat treated citrine, natural citrine, and amethyst with all different properties. Now why did I include amethyst? Well that's because the most common 'citrine' we see on the market is heat treated citrine, which is simply amethyst that has been heated until it changes colour. Why would heat treated citrine and amethyst have different properties if they are the same stone?
I know when I buy stones I'd like to know any treatments the stone has gotten, whether it is dyed, heat treated, or lab grown. Here are some things to look at when trying to decide if it is heat treat or natural citrine.
- Heat treated citrine will have most of the colour concentrated at the tip.
- Heat treated stones tend to have weakened stability, so your stone or cluster may be crumbly.
- Natural citrine is usually a warm champagne, or golden honey colour, not a burnt, bright look.
- Deep brown Maderia Citrine is also natural.
Natural
Heat Treated
Heat Treated
Don't panic if you have unknowingly bought heat treated citrine, you can still use it! In my opinion you are only going to get the properties of amethyst with it, not citrine or special heat treated properties.