Natural citrine forms when quartz crystallizes in silica-rich hydrothermal and igneous settings in the presence of trace iron and gentle geological heat, which colors the crystal in shades of lemon to golden amber. Because true natural citrine is uncommon, much of the citrine on the market is heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz.

Citrine is the yellow-to-golden variety of macrocrystalline quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO2). Its color comes from trace iron (Fe3+) held within the crystal lattice. It crystallizes in the trigonal system, rates 7 on the Mohs scale, and shows a vitreous luster. Natural citrine is relatively rare; a large share of commercial citrine is heat-treated amethyst.

Ancient Greeks and Romans wore carved citrine intaglios and signet rings through the Hellenistic period, prizing the stone's captured sunlight., In the Scottish Highlands citrine was known as Cairngorm and set into kilt pins and the handles of dirks and swords., and Merchants kept citrine in cash drawers and shop tills to draw in and hold wealth, earning it the name the Merchant's Stone.

I carry the warmth of the sun within me. Abundance flows toward me and through me, my confidence steadies my choices, and I meet each new day open, capable, and ready to receive.