Lemon Quartz instead of Citrine?

[Chariot]

I'm just slowly building a crystal collection.  I have just acquired what was sold to me as 'citrine' but is actually lemon quartz.  Does anybody have experience with this stone?  It's really nice, and I'm attracted to it BECAUSE it's the colour of lemon juice.  But it's not Citrine.  

[Misterei]

2 hours ago, Chariot said:

I'm just slowly building a crystal collection.  I have just acquired what was sold to me as 'citrine' but is actually lemon quartz.  Does anybody have experience with this stone?  It's really nice, and I'm attracted to it BECAUSE it's the colour of lemon juice.  But it's not Citrine.  

I've not even heard of lemon quartz. And i worked in a crystal store for a minute 😉

The main thing I'm aware of is heat-treated amethyst sold as "citrine". It's fake and should be avoided. But it has a more burnt yellow or amber color.

True citrine can be quite pale. Almost like clear but with a slight yellow hue.

 

I looked on the internet -- there's so much fakelore out there. But according to the International Gem Society [sounds legit] the lemon quartz is heat treated.

Quote

Ouro Verde quartz, also known as lemon quartz, is a popular light yellow/green variety of irradiated and heated quartz.

Generally speaking I dislike heat-treated stones for metaphysical work. OTOH if you get a good vibe from your lemon quartz -- why not?

I have a large citrine point that is basically clear with only the slightest yellow tinge. Chromatically it doesn't give me that rush of yellow, but energetically it feels like it does what citrine is supposed to do.

Edited November 22, 2024 by Misterei

[Raggydoll]

2 hours ago, Chariot said:

I'm just slowly building a crystal collection.  I have just acquired what was sold to me as 'citrine' but is actually lemon quartz.  Does anybody have experience with this stone?  It's really nice, and I'm attracted to it BECAUSE it's the colour of lemon juice.  But it's not Citrine.  

The main difference is the color tone, they’re both quartz that has been heat treated (as far as I’m aware). I would probably use them slightly differently though, because color tone often impacts the overall energy of a crystal. I tend to use citrine for large boosts of energy or for money magic. I would use paler yellow crystals for cleansing and refreshing the mind. It could probably create energy and clear out brain fog at the same time. I personally associate the color of lemon juice with general wellness, rejuvenation and detox, so maybe it could aid you with such goals too. 

Edited November 22, 2024 by Raggydoll

[Chariot]

7 hours ago, Misterei said:

I've not even heard of lemon quartz. And i worked in a crystal store for a minute 😉

The main thing I'm aware of is heat-treated amethyst sold as "citrine". It's fake and should be avoided. But it has a more burnt yellow or amber color.

True citrine can be quite pale. Almost like clear but with a slight yellow hue.

 

I looked on the internet -- there's so much fakelore out there. But according to the International Gem Society [sounds legit] the lemon quartz is heat treated.

Generally speaking I dislike heat-treated stones for metaphysical work. OTOH if you get a good vibe from your lemon quartz -- why not?

I have a large citrine point that is basically clear with only the slightest yellow tinge. Chromatically it doesn't give me that rush of yellow, but energetically it feels like it does what citrine is supposed to do.

I actually found another source of what does look like real citrine (from the  Congo) that claims it's not treated in any way.  As you say, it's chromatically not very yellow, but the crystal formation (one larger crystal surrounded by a couple of smaller ones) seems to tally with what I read about real citrine.  It's actually not a very pretty crystal, which makes me think it's probably genuine. 🙂  It's also a LOT more expensive than the fakey one I just acquired.  I'll probably go for it.

[Chariot]

7 hours ago, Raggydoll said:

The main difference is the color tone, they’re both quartz that has been heat treated (as far as I’m aware). I would probably use them slightly differently though, because color tone often impacts the overall energy of a crystal. I tend to use citrine for large boosts of energy or for money magic. I would use paler yellow crystals for cleansing and refreshing the mind. It could probably create energy and clear out brain fog at the same time. I personally associate the color of lemon juice with general wellness, rejuvenation and detox, so maybe it could aid you with such goals too. 

I'm unconventional enough to say, "Hey, I really like this crystal, I'll use it," and not bother too much about its origin.  It makes me feel happy when I look at it ...happy and refreshed.   However, I do get a bit annoyed when these things are marketed as 'citrine' when they obviously aren't.  Ach well.  

[Chariot]

Here is a really good article on lemon quartz ...very informative:  https://thegemlibrary.com/lemon-quartz/

 

And here is a photo of what I bought ...compare to other photos of lemon quartz on the internet, and it's obvious that's what it is.  Also the cheapness is a signal it's NOT real citrine!  But I do like it a lot.

 

[Misterei]

1 hour ago, Chariot said:

I actually found another source of what does look like real citrine (from the  Congo) that claims it's not treated in any way. 

Supposedly citrine only comes from a few places like Brazil or Ural mountains of Russia. Yes, the real thing is costly. I got mine while working at the Crystal shop with the employee discount.

I *do* like the bright yellow in your picture, even if its not real 😉.

 

from Google's AI

Brazil: The world's leading supplier of citrine 

Bolivia: The Anahí mine in Bolivia was a major source of natural citrine until it was rediscovered in the 1960s 

Madagascar: A source of natural citrine 

Russia: The Ural Mountains of Russia are a source of natural citrine 

France: A source of natural citrine 

Other sources: Argentina, Myanmar, Namibia, Peru, Scotland, Spain, South Africa, and Zambia 

Edited November 23, 2024 by Misterei

[Chariot]

5 hours ago, Misterei said:

Supposedly citrine only comes from a few places like Brazil or Ural mountains of Russia. Yes, the real thing is costly. I got mine while working at the Crystal shop with the employee discount.

I *do* like the bright yellow in your picture, even if its not real 😉.

 

from Google's AI

Brazil: The world's leading supplier of citrine 

Bolivia: The Anahí mine in Bolivia was a major source of natural citrine until it was rediscovered in the 1960s 

Madagascar: A source of natural citrine 

Russia: The Ural Mountains of Russia are a source of natural citrine 

France: A source of natural citrine 

Other sources: Argentina, Myanmar, Namibia, Peru, Scotland, Spain, South Africa, and Zambia 

I'm still researching citrine, but this is the kind I've just ordered.  It seems legitimate enough ...no I didn't order it from this site.  But the picture of what I'm getting certainly looks like these.  https://thecrystalavenues.com/blogs/news/kundalini-citrine